Ecuador President Proposes Foreign Military Bases

Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa has proposed a constitutional amendment to allow foreign military bases in the country, specifically targeting Article 5, which currently prohibits such establishments. This move comes 15 years after the last U.S. soldiers left the Manta base, which operated until 2009, and aims to combat the rising transnational crime and drug trafficking that has plagued Ecuador. In a video announcement, Noboa criticized former President Rafael Correa's decision to expel U.S. troops and argued that foreign military presence is essential for national and international security responses. The proposed change will first require approval from the constitutional court and a public referendum following a vote in the National Assembly. Noboa's push for this reform reflects a significant shift in Ecuador's defense strategy, as he declared a war on gangs earlier this year amidst escalating violence. This proposal is expected to ignite discussions among lawmakers and the populace regarding national security and sovereignty.