President Noboa of Ecuador is seeking military support from the US, Europe, and Brazil to address rampant gang violence connected to drug trafficking, notably asking for Ecuadorean gangs to be labeled as terrorist organizations. With violence surging, Noboa's tough stance faces criticism amid a crucial upcoming election.
Ecuador's President Calls for International Military Support in Gang War
Ecuador's President Calls for International Military Support in Gang War
Daniel Noboa urges US, European, and Brazilian forces to aid in combating escalating gang violence in Ecuador.
Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa has reached out to the BBC, expressing his urgent need for military support from the US, European nations, and Brazil in his ongoing battle against criminal gangs wreaking havoc in his country. He has urged US President Donald Trump to classify Ecuadorean gangs as terrorist entities, similar to his actions toward various Mexican and Venezuelan cartels. This marks Noboa's first explicit call for international military involvement, emphasizing that 70% of the world's cocaine flows through Ecuador’s ports.
As violence in Ecuador spirals, Noboa has managed to decrease the murder rate by 16% over the past year, although it remains alarmingly high. He emphasized the need for a more robust international military presence, stating, "We need to have more soldiers to fight this war." President Noboa views these gangs not merely as local criminals but as "international narco-terrorists" utilizing armed forces to maintain control over lucrative drug routes.
The discussion around foreign military support has gained traction as Noboa's administration grapples with unprecedented violence and an approaching run-off election on April 13. He has plans in place to partner with nations willing to supply military personnel, marking a significant policy shift for Ecuador, which has not hosted foreign military bases since 2009.
Despite the challenges, Noboa believes that international cooperation is vital in tackling organized crime that transcends borders. While some Ecuadoreans support his calls for support from Erik Prince, founder of Blackwater, others voice concerns about potential rights abuses. Noboa claims that Ecuador’s legal framework will be respected but insists on the pressing need for assistance, citing the brutalities inflicted by gangs.
The challenge now lies in persuading international leaders of the necessity and mutual benefit of eradicating drug trafficking networks. Noboa contends that the rampant violence and economic challenges must be addressed collectively, echoing a call to action for nations affected by the drug trade.
Noboa is additionally focused on tackling the root causes of migration as many Ecuadoreans flee due to instability. He advocates for job creation and economic development, showcasing a commitment to improving conditions for future generations. Facing fierce competition from his leftist opponent in the upcoming election, Noboa’s ability to demonstrate progress in security and crime reduction could prove decisive for his political future.
As violence in Ecuador spirals, Noboa has managed to decrease the murder rate by 16% over the past year, although it remains alarmingly high. He emphasized the need for a more robust international military presence, stating, "We need to have more soldiers to fight this war." President Noboa views these gangs not merely as local criminals but as "international narco-terrorists" utilizing armed forces to maintain control over lucrative drug routes.
The discussion around foreign military support has gained traction as Noboa's administration grapples with unprecedented violence and an approaching run-off election on April 13. He has plans in place to partner with nations willing to supply military personnel, marking a significant policy shift for Ecuador, which has not hosted foreign military bases since 2009.
Despite the challenges, Noboa believes that international cooperation is vital in tackling organized crime that transcends borders. While some Ecuadoreans support his calls for support from Erik Prince, founder of Blackwater, others voice concerns about potential rights abuses. Noboa claims that Ecuador’s legal framework will be respected but insists on the pressing need for assistance, citing the brutalities inflicted by gangs.
The challenge now lies in persuading international leaders of the necessity and mutual benefit of eradicating drug trafficking networks. Noboa contends that the rampant violence and economic challenges must be addressed collectively, echoing a call to action for nations affected by the drug trade.
Noboa is additionally focused on tackling the root causes of migration as many Ecuadoreans flee due to instability. He advocates for job creation and economic development, showcasing a commitment to improving conditions for future generations. Facing fierce competition from his leftist opponent in the upcoming election, Noboa’s ability to demonstrate progress in security and crime reduction could prove decisive for his political future.
