Ecuador’s Youngest President, Daniel Noboa, Sworn In Amid Controversy
Quito, Ecuador – Daniel Noboa, at 37, has officially assumed office as Ecuador’s youngest president, following a divisive election win over left-wing candidate Luisa Gonzalez amid allegations of electoral fraud. Noboa, an heir to a banana-exporting fortune, emphasized his commitment to combatting drug-related violence and revitalizing the struggling economy during his swearing-in ceremony at the National Assembly on Saturday.
In his inaugural address, Noboa spotlighted the urgent need to curb rising homicide rates, which have surged due to drug cartels exploiting the nation’s vulnerabilities. "The progressive reduction of homicides will be a non-negotiable goal," Noboa stated, outlining his administration’s intention to intensify efforts against drug trafficking and enhance security across various sectors, including ports.
Ecuador’s recent descent into violence, once termed a stable nation, has led to militarized responses from the government, similar to controversial strategies employed in El Salvador. Noboa’s approach includes deploying armed forces in public spaces and invoking partnerships with countries like the U.S. and Israel for a security overhaul. His administration has even engaged Erik Prince, founder of Blackwater, for security consultancy, a decision that has sparked concerns among human rights groups regarding the potential for increased militarization.
Despite Noboa’s claims of a 15% reduction in violent deaths in 2024, official figures reveal a staggering 58% surge in killings in early 2025 compared to last year, totaling 3,094 deaths. As Noboa embarks on a challenging term, his administration faces scrutiny from both supporters and critics for its methods in addressing violence and economic instability in Ecuador.
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