Ecuador Forms Controversial Alliance with Erik Prince to Tackle Organized Crime

QUITO, Ecuador — Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa announced a controversial “strategic alliance” with Erik Prince, the founder of the private military company formerly known as Blackwater, to combat organized crime and narcoterrorism.

Noboa revealed this partnership on social media, sharing a photo of himself and Prince discussing security measures in front of an Ecuadorian flag. In his post, published on March 11, 2025, Noboa emphasized, “We have established a strategic alliance to strengthen our capabilities in the fight against narcoterrorism and the protection of our waters from illegal fishing.” He further asserted, “There is no truce. There is no retreat. We are moving forward.”

The announcement has prompted questions regarding the specifics of the arrangement, as details about the partnership remain scant. CNN has sought clarification from the Ecuadorian presidency and the Ministry of Defense regarding the involvement of the Armed Forces in this new initiative.

Former Army commander Luis Altamirano expressed his concerns about the alliance, stating, “It’s truly deplorable that, under the guise of ‘international cooperation,’ they seek to hire the services of a mercenary army.” He added, “The announced ‘special forces’ were a dubious private company. Is this announcement just another smokescreen?”

Prince, who has come under scrutiny for his previous operations, gained notoriety in 2007 following a deadly incident involving Blackwater contractors in Baghdad during the Iraq War. He was an active supporter of former President Donald Trump and has taken part in various military and defense reform discussions.

Noboa’s outreach for international support seems crucial as Ecuador struggles with a surge in violence. The country recorded the highest homicide rate in Latin America, with over 1,000 homicides reported just this year, per the Ministry of the Interior. In a radio interview, Noboa indicated that international forces would be deployed in the coming days to aid local efforts against organized crime.

This partnership comes in the wake of a series of violent incidents, including a recent armed attack in Guayaquil that killed at least 22 people. Noboa called for decisive action from police and military personnel, stating, “We need you to act decisively and without fear of reprisal. Defend the country, I will defend you.”

Ecuador’s escalating security crisis has dominated Noboa’s presidency since he took office in 2023. His administration has instigated several states of emergency and designated 22 criminal organizations as terrorist groups, moves that have attracted criticism from human rights advocates.

The president, who is up for reelection this year, faces mounting pressure to show effectiveness in curbing the violence linked to local criminal groups connected to international drug trafficking. As the nation copes with increasing instability, the next presidential election could determine whether voters continue to support Noboa’s hardline approach or explore alternative solutions.