Daniel Noboa has officially begun his first full term as Ecuador’s president. At just 37 years old, he is the youngest leader in the country’s history and comes from a well-known banana-exporting family. Noboa was sworn in during a ceremony at the National Assembly in Quito, where he promised to tackle the country’s growing issues with drug gangs and work on revitalizing the economy.
In his inaugural address, Noboa emphasized the need to reduce violent crime, a pressing concern as Ecuador has recently seen a spike in violence linked to drug trafficking. He stated, “The progressive reduction of homicides will be a non-negotiable goal.” His administration plans to strengthen efforts against drug trafficking, increase seizures of illegal weapons, and enhance security at ports.
Noboa’s election victory came in April, where he defeated left-wing candidate Luisa Gonzalez, despite her claims of electoral fraud. He took over the last 18 months of his predecessor’s term before winning a new term.
Ecuador has faced significant challenges in recent years, with drug cartels from Mexico taking advantage of weak borders and institutions. In response, Noboa has implemented militarized crackdowns, deploying armed forces onto the streets and tightening security at critical infrastructure sites. His security measures have drawn comparisons to those in El Salvador, which have had mixed reviews. While some praise the reduction in crime, human rights groups raise concerns about mass detentions and abuse.
Noboa has also sought international partnerships for security, looking to countries like the United States and Israel for support. Additionally, he has brought in Erik Prince, founder of the controversial private military contractor Blackwater, to advise on security matters. This decision has sparked concern among opposition leaders and human rights advocates about the increasing militarization of Ecuador’s security forces.
While Noboa reported a 15 percent drop in violent deaths during 2024, recent statistics show a troubling 58 percent rise in killings in the first four months of 2025 compared to the same period last year. With 3,094 deaths recorded, the situation remains critical as Noboa seeks to fulfill his promises to the Ecuadorian people.