Ecuador seeks US military aid, proposes base reopenings

President Daniel Noboa approached former U.S. President Donald Trump with a request to help combat criminal gangs destabilizing Ecuador. In return, he suggested 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 shared by Annabela Azin, Noboa’s mother and a member of the Ecuadorian parliament, during a press conference in Quito.

"We need this international assistance, and Daniel went to ask 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 improve citizens' safety and gain support in the face of the threat posed by drug cartels. Between 1999 and 2009, the United States maintained an airbase in Manta, Ecuador, which was closed following the enactment of a 2008 constitution prohibiting foreign military bases. This constitution was implemented during the presidency of Rafael Correa.

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