Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has sparked controversy with the announcement of a "strategic alliance" with Erik Prince, the founder of the infamous private military contractor Blackwater. The alliance aims to bolster the government's fight against organized crime and narcoterrorism amid soaring violence and insecurity in the country.
On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, Noboa tweeted about the partnership, sharing a photo of the two men discussing strategies with the Ecuadorian flag prominently displayed. He stated, "We have established a strategic alliance to strengthen our capabilities in the fight against narcoterrorism and the protection of our waters from illegal fishing." Noboa has shown resolve, insisting, "There is no truce. There is no retreat. We are moving forward."
Seeking re-election next month on April 13, 2025, Noboa's bold rhetoric emphasizes urgency. He added, "Organized crime has sown fear and believed it can operate with impunity. Their time is running out. International aid is beginning to flow to Ecuador." This commitment to reinforce the state’s crackdown on crime aligns with earlier statements by Noboa, who has waged war against domestic gangs and drug cartels since he took office.
Yet, the announcement has faced sharp criticism. Former Army commander Luis Altamirano condemned the partnership, deeming it "deplorable" to engage what he termed as "mercenary soldiers for hire." He questioned Noboa's judgment, alluding to the historical controversies tied to Blackwater, including the notorious Nisour Square incident where private contractors killed 17 Iraqi civilians. This aspect alone has raised alarms about introducing mercenaries to the Ecuadorian security environment.
Meanwhile, Noboa's declarations come as Ecuador grapples with its highest homicide rates, reportedly at 38.8 per 100,000 inhabitants. This year alone has seen over 1,000 homicides, prompting the Ecuadorian Ministry of the Interior to declare 2025 as the most violent year recorded. The situation has warranted Noboa to seek international military assistance actively, promising support from abroad, though specific details on potential foreign involvement remain vague.
Compounding the situation is the president’s announcement of a $1 million reward for the capture of notorious drug boss José Adolfo Macías Villamar, known locally as "Fito." Macías leads one of the most powerful criminal organizations linked to drugs—and his capture could signal Noboa’s seriousness about dismantling drug networks.
Critics have voiced serious concerns about Noboa’s militarized approach to crime, fearing potential human rights abuses as seen during previous governmental crackdowns. Activist Marlon Martínez Molina echoed these sentiments on social media, questioning Noboa’s intentions: "Does he intend to do the same here?" Others shared similar unease, with Ecuadorian author Cristina Burneo proclaiming, "Noboa is the death of Ecuador... there’s no end to the terror in this country." Also, activist Soledad Angus Freré warned, "We’re going straight off the cliff," highlighting widespread fears among citizens of heightened violence under the new alliance.
Noboa continues to assert his government’s right to fight against criminals who leverage substantial resources and international connections, insisting, "We are at war and we are fighting against people who are heavily armed, organized, with domestic and international financial backing and a structure of terror and criminality." The president's commitment echoes his call for unyielding confrontation against organized crime, reflecting weeks of escalation against rival gangs and foreign cartels.
While critics abound, Noboa seems determined to position his presidency on the front lines of combating drug violence and restoring order to Ecuador. Many wonder, though, whether securing foreign support—even from figures with Blackwater’s controversial history—will lead to the desired safety or if it may deepen the existing divide between government and citizens.
With no clear resolution on the horizon, Noboa's next moves will be closely watched as his government seeks to navigate these turbulent waters and restore stability, all under the glaring lens of public scrutiny.