Ecuador Rejects Foreign Military Bases in Key Referendum

Mon Nov 17 2025 11:29:23 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Ecuadorians voted against allowing foreign military bases, a setback for President Daniel Noboa's bid to combat crime amid rising violence in the region.

In a recent referendum, Ecuadoreans voted decisively against the re-establishment of foreign military bases, frustrating US efforts to increase its military presence in the Eastern Pacific. The decision is a significant defeat for President Daniel Noboa, who advocated for foreign military support to combat organized crime and enhance regional security, citing Ecuador's strategic position as a conduit for drug trafficking. Despite Noboa's claims that 70% of the world’s cocaine passes through the country, the electorate rejected not only the military base proposal but also several other significant constitutional changes, opting for a route that critics argue preserves democratic checks and balances.

Ecuador Rejects Foreign Military Bases in Key Referendum

Ecuadoreans have voted against allowing the return of foreign military bases in the country, frustrating US hopes of expanding its presence in the Eastern Pacific region.

The referendum result is a blow to Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa, who had campaigned to change the constitution in order to reverse a ban that the country's legislature passed in 2008.

He said it would help fight organised crime and reduce the soaring violence the country has seen in recent years, during which it has become one of the world's biggest drug-trafficking hotspots.

While Ecuador does not produce cocaine, its huge ports and proximity to Colombia and Peru—where large quantities of the drug are made—make it a desirable and lucrative location for drug-trafficking gangs. According to Noboa, about 70% of the world's cocaine passes through Ecuador.

His presidency has been defined by a tough military crackdown on criminal gangs, including by putting armed soldiers on the streets. Supporters say his approach has helped fight crime, but critics say his government has resorted to authoritarian tactics.

The US's former military base on Ecuador's Pacific coast was closed after left-wing president Rafael Correa decided not to renew its lease and pushed for a constitutional ban which was passed by lawmakers.

In a post-referendum response, Noboa stated he would respect the vote, even as Ecuador continues to face significant challenges from organized crime.

On the same day of the referendum, the leader of one of Ecuador's largest drug-trafficking gangs, Los Lobos, was captured in a joint operation with Spanish police, reflecting the intense ongoing struggle against drug-related violence in the region.