Ecuador's President Appeals for International Military Aid Against Gangs

Amid rising violence attributed to criminal gangs and drug trafficking, Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has called on foreign military assistance from the US, Europe, and Brazil. He is advocating for designating local gangs as terrorist organizations, while navigating domestic and international challenges.

Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa has issued a compelling appeal for the military support of the US, Europe, and Brazil in his intensified campaign against growing criminal gang violence in Ecuador. Speaking to the BBC, Noboa emphasized the urgent need for international assistance to control the surging influence of gangs that are now involved in large-scale drug trafficking, making Ecuador a pivotal point for global cocaine distribution.

With a significant portion of the world’s cocaine traffic passing through Ecuadorian ports, violence has escalated as rival gangs vie for dominance over these lucrative routes. President Noboa has urged US President Donald Trump to follow his previous move of designating certain Latin American drug cartels as terrorist organizations by making a similar classification for Ecuadorean gangs, pointing out the transformation of these groups into "international narco-terrorist" entities.

During his term, Noboa has strived to tackle crime through militarization, although his approach has faced criticism for being excessively harsh. Statistical reports show a decrease in the murder rate by around 16% in 2024, yet the figures remain alarming, with a record high of killings noted in January 2025.

In the interview, the president highlighted the necessity of using "more soldiers" to combat this escalating war against gangs, arguing that their capacity has been overwhelmed by an estimated 40,000 armed gang members. Moreover, he has initiated discussions for constitutional amendments to facilitate foreign military presence in Ecuador, hinting at a potential revival of US military bases that previously operated in the country until 2009.

The collaboration with Trump ally Erik Prince, founder of the controversial Blackwater security firm, has come under scrutiny for raising concerns about possible human rights violations. While Noboa asserts that Ecuadorian laws would remain the paramount authority, citing the rise of human rights abuses by cartels, the past actions of private military contractors continue to evoke skepticism among citizens.

As he inches closer to the presidential run-off on April 13, securing public trust amidst these violent challenges becomes critical. Critics, including his left-wing adversary Luisa González, argue that Noboa's promises have not translated to palpable improvements, posing a significant electoral hurdle. The president's campaign platform directly correlates with the rising issues of security and economic hardship, which have prompted an exodus of Ecuadoreans crossing into North America.

Noboa insists on a multi-faceted approach that combines bolstering local job opportunities and addressing international drug consumption, thereby highlighting the need for a concentrated, transnational security strategy to effectively combat drug trafficking and gang violence in Ecuador.