Israel wants to “help” Ecuador with intelligence in his fight against cartels that terrify the country, said President Daniel Noboa in an exclusive interview with the agency AFP During his official visit to Paris. The Israeli proposal is part of a broader strategy of the Ecuadorian government, which seeks International cooperation to face the growing criminal violence that has made the Latin American country one of the most dangerous in the region.
“For us that is essential, since there, in areas or on the routes to the ports, it is where violence is,” Noboa said. The president referred to the strategic corridors who use the mafias to mobilize drugs to export ports. As explained, the government of Israel And others like United Arab Emirates They have shown interest in collaborating with Ecuador through Intelligence and security assistance systems for ports and borders.
The International Noboa tour, which included scales in Spain, the Vatican, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Israel, culminated in France With this statement on possible intelligence cooperation. In addition to the security issue, the president also seeks to consolidate economic alliances and attract direct foreign investment, especially in strategic sectors such as infrastructure, energy and technology.
Noboa, 37, was re -elected president in April for a period until 2029, and has made the fight against organized crime one of its main flags. Since January 2024, his government declared a state of internal armed conflict and has promoted a security policy of “firm hand“Which has been criticized by international human rights organizations.
In your dialogue with AFPNoboa also reiterated the need for other powers to accompany Ecuadorian effort not only with political statements, but with technical resources. For Noboa, this type of support is key to curbing the progress of narco -terrorist groups operating with impunity within the country.
Ecuador, with about 18 million inhabitants, has gone from being a relatively quiet drug traffic country to one of the main epicenters of criminal violence in Latin America. International mafias and local cartels dispute the control of the routes, generating prison massacres, political murders and indiscriminate attacks that have shocked public opinion.
The president stressed that this deterioration cannot only be reversed with internal actions. Hence their commitment to active diplomacy and for weaving cooperation networks with countries that have experience in the fight against organized crime and that can provide technology, training and strategic advice. “There is interest in supporting the monitoring and control of the migratory movement”, He added, referring to the border surveillance mechanisms that could be strengthened with foreign support.
In addition to meetings with foreign governments, Noboa also seeks support in multilateral organizations and in the private sector. The president highlighted advances in economic matters, such as 0.3 % controlled inflation, the growth of non -oil exports by more than 20 % and a record in bank deposits.
Meanwhile, The internal situation in Ecuador is still critical. Although official figures reflect a reduction of certain criminal indicators, intelligence reports show a reconfiguration of criminal groups, which have adapted to the new context and maintain their influence in several coastal and Amazon provinces.
In the same interview with AFPNoboa also referred to the diplomatic break with Mexico, after the police incursion into the Mexican embassy in Quito to capture former vice president Jorge Glas, sentenced for corruption and investigated for embezzlement of funds and intimidation. Although he expressed to be willing to restore relationships, Noboa made it clear that he will not accept conditions such as the release of people sentenced by Ecuadorian justice. The president insisted that he cannot interfere with decisions of the Judiciary and reiterated that his government acted according to the law.
