President Daniel Noboa authorized foreign military personnel to participate in security operations within Ecuador while granting them full criminal and civil immunity [1].
This move represents a significant shift in national sovereignty as the government seeks external tactical support to dismantle violent gangs. The decision underscores the severity of the security crisis facing the country and the administration's willingness to waive legal jurisdiction to secure international cooperation.
The authorization applies to operations across 10 provinces currently under a newly declared state of emergency [2]. These regions have been identified as primary hubs for organized crime and violent gang activity. By providing full legal immunity, the decree removes potential judicial hurdles for foreign forces operating on Ecuadorian soil.
Government officials said the measure is intended to strengthen the fight against organized crime. The administration said that the presence of foreign military expertise and resources will provide a necessary edge in reclaiming control over the affected provinces [1].
The decree allows for the entry and active participation of these forces in security maneuvers. This operational framework is designed to streamline the coordination between the Ecuadorian military and its international partners during the state of emergency [2].
While the specific countries providing troops have not been detailed in the immediate decree, the legal framework is now in place to accommodate various international partners. The immunity covers both civil and criminal liabilities, ensuring that foreign personnel are not subject to local prosecution for actions taken during these security operations [1].
“President Daniel Noboa authorized foreign military personnel to participate in security operations within Ecuador while granting them full criminal and civil immunity.”
The granting of full civil and criminal immunity to foreign troops is a rare legal concession that suggests the Ecuadorian state lacks the internal capacity to suppress organized crime independently. By removing legal accountability for foreign forces, the Noboa administration is prioritizing immediate tactical security gains over judicial sovereignty, which may create long-term legal precedents regarding the accountability of international forces operating within the country.
