President Daniel Noboa of Ecuador has partnered with Erik Prince, founder of Blackwater, to enhance anti-crime efforts amid increasing violence from narco-terrorism. This alliance aims to strengthen the government’s crackdown on organized crime ahead of upcoming elections. However, Noboa’s measures have led to accusations of human rights abuses, and the collaboration with a former military contractor has raised public concerns.
Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has established a controversial alliance with Erik Prince, the founder of the private military firm Blackwater, to enhance his government’s initiatives against crime. This partnership, announced via social media, aims to combat narco-terrorism and protect waters from illegal fishing, as Noboa seeks re-election. He stated, “Organized crime has sown fear and believed it can operate with impunity. Their time is running out.”
The specifics of the partnership between Noboa’s administration and Prince, a former Navy Seal and security contractor with ties to the Trump administration, remain undisclosed. This alliance appears to be a strategic move to strengthen Noboa’s image as a hardliner on crime ahead of his electoral contest against leftist candidate Luisa González. As part of his anti-drug efforts, he recently announced a $1 million reward for the capture of notorious drug boss José Adolfo Macías Villamar, known as “Fito.”
Noboa’s administration has launched a severe crackdown on domestic gangs and foreign drug cartels, citing Ecuador’s key position between leading cocaine producers, Peru and Colombia. He proclaimed, “We are at war and we are fighting against people who are heavily armed, organised…” However, this crackdown has been marred by accusations of human rights violations, including allegations of torture and arbitrary arrests.
The announcement of Prince’s involvement has elicited significant public concern due to Blackwater’s history of controversial actions, including the deaths of 14 Iraqi civilians in 2007. Critics question whether Noboa intends to instate practices reminiscent of paramilitarism within Ecuador. Notable voices of dissent include lawyer Marlon Martínez Molina and author Cristina Burneo, who expressed alarm at the potential consequences, while activist Soledad Angus Freré warned, “We’re going straight off the cliff.”
In summary, President Daniel Noboa’s alliance with Erik Prince has sparked significant concern regarding the approach to crime in Ecuador. Despite intentions to tighten anti-crime measures, the government’s strategy has raised serious allegations of human rights violations and public outcry. As Noboa seeks re-election, the implications of this collaboration and its potential effects on Ecuador’s political and social landscape remain to be thoroughly examined.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
