Ecuador President Proposes Constitutional Reform to Permit Foreign Military Bases
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Loading... - Sophie Bakker
- 20 Sep 2024
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Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa Azin has announced a proposal to amend Article 5 of the country's constitution, allowing for the establishment of foreign military bases in the country. The move is aimed at combating transnational crime and escalating violence from drug-trafficking gangs.
The current Constitution of Ecuador, approved in 2008, prohibits the establishment of foreign military bases or facilities for military purposes. Article 5 states: "Ecuador is a territory of peace. The establishment of foreign military bases or foreign facilities for military purposes should not be allowed. It is forbidden to transfer national military bases to foreign armed or security forces."
The proposed reform would eliminate the prohibitions in Article 5, leaving only the phrase "Ecuador is a territory of peace." This would pave the way for foreign military bases to be established in the country.
The proposal comes amid a nationwide state of emergency declared in January, following the escape of a powerful gang leader. The state of emergency has led to a curfew and permitted intervention by the National Police and Armed Forces to combat organized crime.
The government argues that the current constitution has weakened the country's ability to respond to transnational threats. The proposed reform is seen as a necessary step to strengthen the country's response to these threats.
The proposed reform has significant implications for Ecuador's sovereignty and national security. It could lead to the establishment of foreign military bases in the country, potentially altering the country's relationships with other nations.
The proposal will be presented to the National Assembly, which will decide whether to approve the reform. The outcome is uncertain, and the decision will have far-reaching consequences for Ecuador's future.
