Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has requested U.S. military support to fight rising gang violence, a move that could reshape international partnerships and challenge his country’s constitutional ban on foreign military bases.
AT A GLANCE
- President Daniel Noboa met with Donald Trump to discuss U.S. military involvement in Ecuador.
- Noboa seeks constitutional reform to permit foreign troops on Ecuadorian soil.
- The move comes amid a surge in drug-trafficking violence and gang activity.
- Ecuador is considering alliances with the U.S., Europe, and Brazil for broader support.
- A new naval base in Manta may serve as a hub for joint military operations.
Noboa’s Radical Security Shift Amid National Crisis
Facing escalating violence tied to drug cartels and organized crime, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa is proposing sweeping changes that could redefine the country’s national defense and foreign policy. At the heart of this strategy is Noboa’s push to amend Ecuador’s constitution, which currently prohibits the establishment of foreign military bases, in order to permit U.S. and allied forces to assist in restoring order.
This bold shift was punctuated by a recent meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Noboa characterized the visit as productive, noting that Trump was supportive of Ecuador’s battle against narcoterrorism. “They [the U.S.] see positively what we are doing in Ecuador,” Noboa said, underscoring a new chapter in bilateral cooperation.
Constitutional Reform and Military Partnerships
Noboa’s plans hinge on revising constitutional language that currently bars foreign troop deployments. He insists that any international military presence would be subject to Ecuadorian law and direct oversight. “They are all subject to the law and direct supervision and cooperation with our Armed Forces and with the Police,” he told BBC News, reinforcing his commitment to sovereignty.
A major part of Noboa’s proposal includes hosting a U.S. naval facility in the coastal city of Manta, which would be equipped to support long-term operations. As CNN has reported, the facility would include barracks and administration centers for U.S. military personnel—potentially making it a regional command center in the fight against organized crime.
Watch coverage of Noboa’s announcement and security strategy.
Navigating Politics and Violence Ahead of Election
This security gamble arrives during a politically sensitive period as Noboa heads into a runoff against socialist candidate Luisa González. The election will likely serve as a referendum on Noboa’s aggressive anti-crime measures, including his alignment with international military powers and his collaboration with Erik Prince, Founder of the private military firm Blackwater.
Although Ecuador’s murder rate has dropped by 16% since 2023, violence remains a persistent threat. Critics argue that militarizing the fight against gangs could lead to human rights abuses. Still, Noboa remains steadfast, stating that “we need to have more soldiers to fight this war.”
Building Global Alliances to Confront Narco-Terrorism
Noboa is not stopping at the U.S. In addition to courting Trump, he is seeking broader alliances with European nations and Brazil. He aims to establish a regional coalition to support Ecuador’s overwhelmed security forces and address other issues such as illegal fishing and migration.
According to Latin America Daily Briefing, Noboa’s government is simultaneously exploring trade pacts similar to those held by Colombia and Peru. “Ecuador will not stand alone in this fight,” he declared, signaling his commitment to multilateral action.
As Noboa moves to reposition Ecuador on the international stage, the coming months will test whether voters and allies are willing to embrace his ambitious plans—and whether the fight against organized crime can be waged without compromising the nation’s democratic foundations.
