Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has partnered with Erik Prince to combat organized crime, emphasizing no retreat in their efforts against narcoterrorism. The move has provoked criticism from military veterans, highlighting concerns over reliance on mercenaries. With Ecuador facing a severe crime crisis and the highest homicide rate in Latin America, Noboa seeks international support, yet details of this assistance remain unclear.
Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has initiated a “strategic alliance” with Erik Prince, founder of the private defense contractor formerly known as Blackwater, to combat organized crime. This partnership was announced following a military operation launched by Noboa against criminal factions last year. The president shared photos of the meeting on social media and emphasized Ecuador’s commitment to fight narcoterrorism. “There is no truce. There is no retreat. We are moving forward,” he asserted, although specifics regarding the alliance were not disclosed.
The announcement has sparked criticism within Ecuador. Former Army commander Luis Altamirano described the partnership as “deplorable,” questioning the decision to involve a private mercenary group under the pretense of international cooperation. His comments suggest skepticism regarding the efficacy and motives behind employing such forces in a national security context, highlighting fears of a potential dilution of military authority.
Erik Prince, who has a controversial history with Blackwater following its demerits in the Iraq War, is known for his close ties to former U.S. President Donald Trump. His involvement in Ecuador’s efforts raises concerns about the potential implications of foreign influence on local law enforcement tactics. Currently, he identifies himself as an investor in military reforms, following the sale of Blackwater in 2010 after a public relations debacle.
President Noboa’s push for international assistance stems from Ecuador’s alarming security crisis, with the country recording the highest homicide rate in Latin America at 38.8 per 100,000 inhabitants. The Ecuadorian interior ministry reported over 1,000 homicides in the early part of this year alone, indicating a troubling spike in violence attributed to gang activity linked to international drug trafficking. Noboa stated, “Organized crime has sown fear and believed it can operate with impunity. Their time is up. International aid begins in Ecuador.”
Looking forward, Noboa signaled plans to integrate international forces, referred to as “special forces abroad,” to address the rampant crime. Nevertheless, he has not clarified the origin or operational framework of this foreign assistance. The intricacies of the alliance with Prince, amid rising skepticism and unrest in Ecuador regarding national security measures, remain to be addressed further.
In conclusion, Ecuador’s strategic alliance with Erik Prince marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to counteracting organized crime. President Noboa’s endeavor, while aimed at securing international help to combat violence, has encountered criticism from military experts who question the reliability of mercenary forces. As Ecuador grapples with an escalating security crisis, the true efficacy of this partnership remains uncertain, particularly concerning the implications of foreign involvement in domestic affairs.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
