Ecuador seeks US military return to combat crime surge

The president of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa, approached U.S. President Donald Trump with a request for help in combating criminal gangs that are destabilizing the country. In return, he offered the possibility of reopening American military bases in Ecuador. The meeting between the two leaders took place on March 29 at Trump’s residence in Florida.

During the meeting, which occurred before the second round of the presidential elections in Ecuador, Noboa received Trump’s assurance of support. This information was provided by Annabela Azin, the president’s mother and a member of the Ecuadorian parliament, during a press conference in Quito.

"We need this international assistance, and Daniel asked President Trump for it. He, in turn, treated our migrants residing in the U.S. differently from those from other countries," said Azin.

Noboa, who is running an election campaign against Lisa Gomez, an opponent of reopening the bases, is seeking re-election. His proposal aims to increase citizens' safety and gain support in the face of the threat posed by drug cartels. Between 1999-2009, the United States had, among others, an airbase in Manta, Ecuador, which was closed following the enactment of a 2008 constitution prohibiting foreign military bases. This constitution was enacted during the presidency of Rafael Correa.

Following Noboa's proposal, the Trump administration removed Ecuadorians from the list of foreigners who were to be deported first. Noboa, born in 1987 in Miami, was one of the few Latin American presidents invited by Trump to the inauguration of his second term.