Ecuador’s National Assembly approved a constitutional reform permitting foreign military bases amid efforts to combat drug trafficking. The measure, promoted by Daniel Noboa, sparks debate over possible foreign interference and national sovereignty.

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On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, Ecuador’s National Assembly approved a constitutional reform with 82 votes in favor that removes the 2008 ban on the installation of foreign military bases in the country. The reform modifies Article 5 of the Constitution, which until now declared Ecuador a territory of peace and explicitly prohibited foreign military presence.

This measure, pushed by President Daniel Noboa, aims to strengthen international cooperation to confront drug trafficking and transnational organized crime, problems that have impacted the country’s internal security.

Government legislator Nataly Morillo defended the reform as a necessary step to equip the state with more effective tools against drug trafficking, illegal mining, and human trafficking. According to the Assembly, cooperation with foreign forces will enable intelligence sharing, technology transfer, and strategic coordination to tackle criminal networks operating with sophisticated weaponry and international funding.

It was recalled that during the operation of the U.S. military base in Manta, cocaine seizures increased by nearly 500%, which is presented as a positive precedent for this policy.

Historically, the installation of U.S. military bases in sovereign countries has been more than mere cooperation against crime; it has functioned as an instrument of political and military interference to protect geostrategic interests.

Examples like the base in Manta, Ecuador, illustrate how these installations have affected sovereignty and regional stability, even supporting coups d’état. Therefore, Ecuador’s reform must be approached cautiously, as it could open the door to external influences beyond the fight against organized crime.

Con 82 votos afirmativos, el Pleno de la #AsambleaEc2025 aprueba el proyecto de #ReformaConstitucional sobre #BasesMilitares extranjeras para referéndum.
Este es un aporte decidido a la seguridad en contra del crimen transnacional y para el retorno de la paz al territorio 🇪🇨 pic.twitter.com/du1OCg79vN

— Asamblea Nacional (@AsambleaEcuador) June 3, 2025

The text reads: With 82 affirmative votes, the Plenary of the #AsambleaEc2025 approves the draft #ConstitutionalReform on foreign #MilitaryBases for a referendum.
This is a decisive contribution to security against transnational crime and for the return of peace to the territory.

Concerns About Sovereignty and Possible Foreign Interference

However, the reform has generated criticism and concerns from opposition sectors and sovereignty experts. Legislator Nuria Butiñá, from the Revolución Ciudadana movement, warned that allowing foreign military bases could leave Ecuador vulnerable to external political and military interference, compromising autonomy in defense and security matters.

This change could enable contingent decisions driven by foreign interests to limit the country’s territorial and military sovereignty, a value reaffirmed during Rafael Correa’s decade in office when the U.S. base agreement in Manta was canceled.

Following approval in the Assembly, the reform must be submitted to a referendum within 45 days, according to Article 442 of the current Constitution. Ratification requires a simple majority of valid votes cast.

The National Electoral Council will be responsible for organizing the public consultation. President Noboa has stated that the presence of foreign military bases is a necessary response to the expansion of transnational criminal networks, but the public debate must also weigh the risks this opening entails for Ecuador’s political independence and stability.

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