When Lasso won the presidency of Ecuador, many of us thought it was a signal that the trend towards the rise of the power of left-wing populist governments could be reverse, and that the countries and democratic forces of the continent, including the US, would take advantage of this to promote democracy in the region.
Trade and investment were Lasso’s main priorities, but US response did not materialize. Then Ecuador made it clear that it would go elsewhere, to obtain them, including China and Russia.
The Lasso’s call for help seems to be ignored by the US seemed, judging by what happened. His request was not enough to move Biden’s administration.
However, there was some compromise, spurred by bipartisan hearings at the US Senate, such as the US-Ecuador Partnership Bill, the bill that is awaiting a final vote in the Senate. More recently, several US Senators, from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced an Innovation and Development in Ecuador Act (IDEA), in order to allow Ecuador to be eligible to receive benefits under the Recovery Act. Economics of the Caribbean Basin.
But, this has been, for several analysts, “too little, too late.” As Ryan Berg, said: There is a most unfortunate message in Ecuador’s story that other countries in “LatinAmerica will absorb “The US would like you to engage it as a partner of choice, but it often won’t be there for you. By the time you figure it out, it’s too late. Better to find other partners.”
Ecuador is now facing security challenges without having reached the development help it requires.
A “Plan Ecuador”?
However, The U.S. hopes to collaborate with Lasso’s government by improving Ecuador’s security. This is one of the few countries in the region with a positive story, and there are concerns that insecurity could undermine its democracy.
Ecuador is experiencing a surge in violence fueled by cross-border criminal organizations that have caused over 500 more homicides from January to October in 2021. Despite Ecuador’s President declaring a state of public emergency and the success of a military and police mobilization to fight drug-related violence, underlying insecurity remains due to drug cartels operating along the borders.
President Lasso has requested a “Plan Ecuador” (somewhat similar to the “Plan Colombia”) partnership with the US to tackle security issues and drug trafficking.
Ecuador’s President has declared a state of public emergency and mobilized military and police to fight drug trafficking after the country’s Pacific coast became an important point for drug cartels. Turf wars between Mexico’s dominant cartels have contributed to the increased levels of violence. However, despite the success of the campaign, drug cartels continue to operate along the borders.
The US has increased its cooperation with Ecuador to address the country’s security challenges. It also has provided traditional security assistance worth $27 million to fight crime and reopened the Office of Security Cooperation in Ecuador.
Ecuador also requires US radar systems assistance since one-third of its territory lacks coverage by radar systems, making it difficult to monitor and control air traffic.
The Biden administration is urged to increase cooperation with Ecuador to tackle unconventional security threats and organized crimes. A failure to do so would be catastrophic for Ecuador and for the prestige of the United States.
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