Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa seeks military assistance from the U.S., Europe, and Brazil to combat escalating gang violence in Ecuador. He urges U.S. President Trump to designate Ecuadorian gangs as terrorist groups and aims for constitutional changes to facilitate foreign military bases. As violence rises ahead of elections, Noboa promotes both international collaboration and economic reforms to support the nation’s efforts against drug trafficking and organized crime.
Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has urged the militaries of the United States, European nations, and Brazil to aid in combating the significant threat posed by criminal gangs in Ecuador. Noboa has also expressed a desire for U.S. President Donald Trump to classify Ecuadorian gangs as terrorist entities, similar to certain Mexican and Venezuelan cartels. He reassured viewers regarding his partnership with Erik Prince, founder of the private military company Blackwater, affirming that Ecuadorian law will be upheld.
Ecuador has witnessed a dramatic escalation in violence in recent years, primarily driven by gangs vying for control over drug trafficking routes. Given that a substantial portion of the world’s cocaine is transported through Ecuador, President Noboa’s call for foreign military assistance is both timely and crucial. While he has previously sought international military support, this marks the first instance where he has addressed specific countries, pressing for their involvement.
The issue of security remains paramount for voters as Ecuador approaches a run-off election scheduled for April 13. President Noboa has taken aggressive measures against gang violence, including deploying military forces to the streets and prisons. Despite a reported reduction in the murder rate by approximately 16%, the overall rate remains alarmingly high when compared to previous years, underscoring the ongoing challenges.
In a recent interview, Noboa asserted, “We need to have more soldiers to fight this war,” emphasizing the international dimensions of the issue. He identified Ecuadorean gangs as sophisticated threats, referring to them as “international narco-terrorists” with significant armed presence. He expressed hope that Trump’s strategy towards Latin American cartels could be applied concerning Ecuadorean gangs as well.
Noboa has directed Ecuador’s foreign ministry to pursue cooperative agreements with allied nations to bolster local police and military efforts. In addition, he is seeking constitutional amendments to allow the re-establishment of foreign military bases on Ecuadorian soil. Although the proposition poses challenges, it echoes a historical precedent when the U.S. maintained an anti-drug base in Ecuador until 2009.
The President’s plans for collaboration with Erik Prince have raised concerns among some Ecuadoreans due to Prince’s controversial history with Blackwater. Noboa clarified that he does not necessarily seek mercenaries, but rather specialized military assistance from allied nations to strengthen combat efforts. He reiterated the need for humane conduct, reminding that drug cartels have repeatedly violated human rights.
Despite the violence and unrest, Noboa maintains that state forces are acting within the bounds of the law, as criticisms of his administration’s methods emerge. There have been poignant instances damaging to his reputation, such as the unsolved mutilation murder of boys arrested under his regime’s anti-crime initiative. Critics are questioning his effectiveness, especially with a record number of killings in early January.
As Noboa campaigns against left-wing candidate Luisa González, he emphasizes that combating transnational crime requires joint action on security policies among affected nations. He argues that Ecuador’s financial limitations hinder progress against drug trafficking, which substantially impacts the economy, constituting about 27% of its GDP.
In addition to security measures, President Noboa aims to tackle underlying economic factors, encouraging Ecuadorians abroad to return as part of a concerted effort toward job creation and training programs. He remains optimistic about future developments, stating, “Stay – and you will see positive results,” as he highlights economic recovery and a decline in inflation.
As the run-off vote approaches, voters will evaluate Noboa’s efforts regarding security and whether they translate into perceived progress against gang violence, ultimately determining the outcome of his presidency.
In summation, President Daniel Noboa of Ecuador has called for international military assistance from the U.S., Europe, and Brazil in the fight against organized crime, aiming to classify local gangs as terrorist groups. His approach has drawn both support and criticism amid rising violence, particularly as the country heads into a crucial run-off election. Noboa emphasizes the need for an effective partnership in tackling transnational drug trafficking and invites international cooperation, while also focusing on economic solutions to address societal issues in Ecuador.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
