Ecuadoran President Daniel Noboa has taken decisive steps to combat the escalating violence from drug cartels that have plagued the nation, seeking international support from Israel and the United Arab Emirates. In an exclusive interview with AFP in Paris on May 8, 2025, the 37-year-old leader, who recently won re-election, revealed that both countries have agreed to provide intelligence assistance to help fight cocaine traffickers.
Once a peaceful country, Ecuador has seen a drastic increase in violence, averaging a killing every hour at the start of the year. The surge in bloodshed is largely attributed to fierce battles among cartels vying for control over lucrative cocaine routes that pass through the nation’s ports. Noboa's administration is now under immense pressure to restore safety and stability in the country.
During his presidential campaign, Noboa suggested the deployment of U.S. special forces to Ecuador to help tackle the rampant violence. He also proposed legal reforms that would allow for the reopening of U.S. military bases in the Andean nation. In a bid to strengthen security measures, Noboa has recently traveled to several European countries, including Italy, Spain, Britain, and France, to forge new alliances and seek additional support from nations grappling with rising cocaine consumption.
In his discussions with leaders from Israel and the UAE, Noboa emphasized the need for cooperation on security at ports and borders, noting that much of the violence is concentrated in those areas. However, he acknowledged that there has been "not much interest so far" from foreign powers in establishing military bases in Ecuador, which could further complicate his plans.
In March 2025, Noboa announced a controversial security alliance with Erik Prince, the founder of Blackwater, a private military company known for its involvement in numerous scandals. While Noboa maintains that Prince's role is strictly as a consultant, critics have raised concerns about the implications of such partnerships.
Following a closely contested first round in the presidential elections, Noboa easily defeated left-wing lawyer Luisa Gonzalez in the April runoff, securing an 11-point lead over his rival. Gonzalez, who presented herself as a champion for the poor, has claimed without evidence that the election results were fraudulent. Noboa, however, views his victory as a "vote of confidence" in his tough stance against the cartels.
As he takes office, Noboa faces the daunting task of uniting a country that has seen its fortunes decline sharply. With 28 percent of the population living in poverty, the economic situation is dire, and rampant violence has deterred both investors and tourists. Noboa is keenly aware that restoring confidence in Ecuador is essential for economic recovery.
"More than anything, we need to attract foreign investment," Noboa stated, emphasizing that to access bond markets, the government must lower the country's risk factor. He reassured the public that Ecuador's economic fundamentals remain "not bad," pointing to low inflation rates and record bank deposits as signs of resilience. "Our focus is job creation," he added, highlighting his administration's commitment to revitalizing the economy.
The international community continues to watch closely as Ecuador navigates this critical juncture. Noboa's efforts to forge alliances with Israel and the UAE, coupled with his controversial security partnerships, could reshape the landscape of Ecuador's fight against drug trafficking and violence. As he embarks on this ambitious agenda, the eyes of the world are on him, awaiting the outcomes of his strategies in combating the cartels and restoring peace to a nation in turmoil.