The United States has issued an intelligence assessment favoring incumbent Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa over challenger Luisa González in the upcoming election. The report concludes that a re-election of Noboa would better serve U.S. national security interests due to his efforts against violent gangs.
Noboa’s proposal to establish a permanent U.S. military presence in Ecuador has gained traction, with two intelligence officials indicating that it could help combat transnational drug cartels operating in the country.
However, concerns have been raised about González’s ties to Venezuela and Russia, which some believe could undermine Noboa’s presidency. The U.S. does not recognize Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as a legitimate leader and maintains sanctions against his government.
The intelligence assessment has sparked disagreement among U.S. intelligence agencies, with some officials characterizing the differences as “splitting hairs.” Despite this, the report suggests that a Noboa re-election would be beneficial for the U.S., particularly in light of rising crime rates in Ecuador.
Ecuador’s economy plays a significant role in its relationship with the U.S., with bilateral trade exceeding $15.2 billion in 2023. The two nations have a long history of cooperation, and Ecuador has been a key player in regional affairs.
The election takes place amidst growing unrest in Ecuador, including prison riots and car bombings, which Noboa attributes to his administration’s efforts against transnational crime organizations.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/u-s-intelligence-favors-incumbent-ecuadorian-president-daniel-noboa