Ecuador Seeks Global Military Assistance in Battle Against Drug Trafficking

Ecuador is grappling with an unprecedented surge in violence, prompting President Daniel Noboa to appeal for international military assistance to combat the country's escalating drug cartel crisis. In the first 50 days of 2025 alone, approximately 1,300 murders were reported, averaging one homicide every hour and marking a staggering 40% increase from the previous year.

Recent findings from the US-based think tank InSight Crime highlight Ecuador's critical role as a significant drug trafficking conduit, facilitating the smuggling of cocaine from Colombia and Peru to markets in Europe, Mexico, and Central America. The rapid ascension of drug cartels in Ecuador has raised alarms among both the government and the public.

In an interview with BBC, President Noboa expressed his vision of collaborating with military forces from the United States, Europe, and Brazil to enhance Ecuador's crime-fighting capabilities. He also proposed designating Ecuadorian gangs as terrorist organizations, similar to classifications already applied to several Mexican and Venezuelan drug cartels by the US government.

Furthermore, Noboa recently announced a partnership with Erik Prince, founder of the controversial private military firm Blackwater, aimed at strengthening Ecuador's military capabilities against what he termed 'narcoterrorism.'

Despite these proposals, experts remain skeptical about the efficacy of militarizing the fight against drug trafficking. Historical precedents, particularly in Colombia, reveal that military involvement in internal security often exacerbates human rights violations rather than alleviating them. Catalina Nino, a security expert at the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, noted that while military interventions might yield temporary improvements, they frequently fail to produce sustainable long-term solutions.

Daniel Ponton, the dean of the Institute of Advanced National Studies in Ecuador, acknowledged the challenges faced by law enforcement in the country but cautioned that military action should be complemented by comprehensive political strategies. He stressed that while military support might be necessary given the heavily armed criminal groups operating in Ecuador, it is crucial to address the underlying socio-economic issues fueling the violence.

As Ecuador approaches a politically charged runoff election on April 13, Noboa's appeal for international military support may also serve to bolster his position against his left-wing opponent, Luisa Gonzalez, who has been critical of his militarization strategy and is focused on social welfare initiatives.

Both Nino and Ponton advocate for a multifaceted approach to addressing drug trafficking that emphasizes social and economic development rather than solely relying on military force. They argue that previous attempts at militarization in countries like Mexico and Colombia have failed to provide lasting security improvements.

In conclusion, as Ecuador navigates this complex crisis, the effectiveness of military intervention as a solution remains deeply contested, with experts calling for a more holistic strategy to combat the root causes of drug-related violence.