Ecuador Rejects Return of United States Military Bases in Significant Blow to President Noboa
Ecuadorian voters have firmly rejected a proposal to allow the return of United States military bases to the country, delivering a major political setback to President Daniel Noboa, who has maintained a close relationship with former United States President Donald Trump and his political allies. The referendum, held on Sunday, drew strong national attention and revived long standing debates about sovereignty, foreign intervention and security policy in the country.
With about three quarters of the vote counted on Sunday night, early results showed that roughly sixty per cent of Ecuadorians voted against lifting the long standing constitutional ban on foreign military bases. The outcome demonstrated clear public resistance to restoring a United States presence at key strategic locations in the country.
The vote effectively prevents the United States military from returning to the Manta airbase on Ecuador’s Pacific coast. The base once served as a critical center for Washington’s anti drug surveillance and operations in the region before the Ecuadorian government ended the agreement in two thousand nine. Since then, the site has remained a symbolic reminder of past tensions over the role of foreign military forces in domestic affairs.
In recent months, the possibility of reopening the base had risen in political discussions, particularly after visits by senior United States officials. United States Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently toured military facilities in Manta and an airbase in Salinas alongside President Noboa. Their appearance together sparked speculation that Ecuador was preparing to deepen security cooperation with the United States, especially as the country faces growing concerns over drug trafficking and rising violence linked to criminal networks.
However, Sunday’s vote made it clear that a majority of Ecuadorians remain wary of allowing foreign military forces within their borders. Analysts say the results reflect a broader sentiment that Ecuador should address security challenges through national institutions rather than rely on external powers. Many voters expressed concern that permitting a foreign base could compromise national autonomy or draw the country into geopolitical disputes.
For President Noboa, the referendum outcome is a significant political setback. He had framed the proposal as part of a broader plan to strengthen security and combat organized crime, which has become a central issue during his presidency. The rejection means that his administration will now need to pursue alternative strategies to enhance security without relying on a foreign military presence.
Despite the results, officials from both countries have expressed interest in continuing cooperation in areas such as intelligence exchange, law enforcement training and border security. These efforts are expected to continue outside the framework of any permanent foreign military presence.
The referendum has reopened important discussions within Ecuador about how best to confront the country’s growing security threats while preserving national independence. For now, voters have delivered a clear message that Ecuador’s military space should remain under domestic control.
