Ecuador's President Noboa Seeks Global Military Support in Drug War

In a recent BBC interview, Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa emphasized the urgent need for assistance from the US, Europe, and Brazil's military forces to tackle rampant gang violence fueled by drug trafficking. With 70% of the world's cocaine flowing through Ecuador's ports, Noboa aims to elevate Ecuadorean gangs to the status of "terrorist organizations" in order to garner additional US support. This marks a pivotal moment, as Noboa seeks to shift strategies in a country plagued by escalating violence and a high murder rate, which saw a record spike in January 2025.

Noboa's administration has faced scrutiny for its aggressive stance against gangs, particularly given the rise in homicide rates, yet he believes that international military assistance is essential to address the challenges posed by organized crime. As the country approaches a decisive presidential run-off, Noboa's ability to convince global leaders to support Ecuador's fight against drug cartels could shape the future of his leadership and the nation's safety. The discussion comes at a critical juncture, reflecting growing concerns about the intersection of transnational crime and national security, as well as the socio-economic implications of violence in the region.

Noboa revealed plans to pursue constitutional amendments allowing foreign military bases, showcasing a controversial partnership with Erik Prince, founder of Blackwater, echoing the specter of previous military interventions. Despite a significant uptick in violence, Noboa argues that Ecuador cannot combat these "transnational" issues alone and urges international cooperation to dismantle extensive drug trafficking networks.

Noboa's call for military allies arrives at a time when public sentiment toward violence and security policies is a leading concern for voters in the upcoming election, leaving the future stability of Ecuador in a delicate balance.