In Quito on March 14, Ecuador's Interior Minister John Reimberg announced that the country's security forces will soon receive guidance from private security executive Erik Prince regarding tackling criminal gangs. President Daniel Noboa, in a closely contested election against his leftist rival, confirmed Ecuador's collaboration with Prince, the founder of Blackwater, which was later renamed and sold in 2010 following legal issues.
Noboa has taken a tough stance to combat violence, deploying military forces and declaring states of emergency in high-risk areas. Reimberg emphasized the importance of Prince's assistance in addressing the crime issue and remained open to all possible measures.
Reimberg linked a recent car bomb incident outside a Guayaquil prison to fear stemming from the government's proactive measures. He highlighted criminal groups' efforts to incite violence ahead of the April 13 runoff election.
Opposing Noboa's security approach, leftist candidate Luisa Gonzalez, an ally of former President Rafael Correa, vowed a combination of enhanced social programs and security measures. The 2023 election, which saw Noboa's victory cut short, was marred by violence, including the assassination of an anti-corruption candidate.