Ecuador Partners with Ex-Blackwater Founder Erik Prince in Anti-Crime Effort
President Daniel Noboa announces controversial alliance as the country battles escalating violence linked to drug cartels.
- Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has formed a 'strategic alliance' with Erik Prince, founder of the private military firm formerly known as Blackwater, to combat organized crime and illegal fishing.
- The announcement comes as Ecuador faces an unprecedented surge in violence, with over 1,000 homicides reported early this year and a murder rate of 47 per 100,000 in 2023.
- Critics, including former military officials and activists, have raised concerns about the use of foreign private military contractors, citing Blackwater's controversial history and human rights abuses.
- Noboa, seeking re-election in April, has framed the partnership as part of his broader crackdown on domestic gangs and international drug cartels, positioning himself as a tough-on-crime leader.
- Details of the agreement with Prince, including the scope of operations and terms, remain unclear, prompting calls for transparency from both Ecuadorian officials and international observers.