Rafael Correa, the socialist who allowed the advance of narcoterrorism in Ecuador

The government of the former dictator Rafael Correa, influenced by Bolivarian socialism, left a profound impact on Ecuador, marking the beginning of a security crisis that favored the rise of narcoterrorism in the country.

During his administration (2007-2017), Correa implemented a series of policies and decisions that, according to critics and specialists, facilitated the development of drug trafficking, weakened democratic institutions, and created a context of impunity that still persists.

The relationship with the United States

In 2009, Correa ordered the closure of the U.S. base in Manta, which since 1998 had been a strategic point for anti-drug operations in the region.

This infrastructure was key to the country's security, contributing to the detection of drug trafficking routes and preventing the infiltration of the FARC, the Colombian leftist terrorist organization, into Ecuadorian territory.

However, the dismantling of the base marked a radical change in Ecuador's international cooperation policy, severely harming its ability to confront organized crime.

Correa's decision was not isolated. Since coming to power, he stood out for confronting the then Colombian president Álvaro Uribe, whose government made significant advances against the FARC.

Instead of collaborating in the fight against narcoterrorism, Correa adopted a stance that, according to documents and testimonies, was marked by alleged ties with the FARC, who reportedly financed his first presidential campaign with contributions reaching 500,000 dollars.

Policies that weakened security

Correa's government also adopted measures that weakened the internal security framework. In 2009, the socialist dictator promoted a process of "pacification" with gangs like the Latin Kings and Los Ñetas, which he labeled as "legitimate social organizations." These groups later became linked to drug trafficking.

Additionally, Correa issued Decree 1440, which allowed the mass release of people convicted of drug trafficking.

According to estimates, between 1,200 and 3,000 criminals regained their freedom immediately, while others benefited from sentence reductions in subsequent years. This policy was widely criticized for favoring the strengthening of organized crime.

In the migration sphere, the elimination of the visa requirement during his government facilitated the entry of people linked to drug trafficking. In 2024, the government of Daniel Noboa deported 1,500 foreign prisoners, most linked to illicit activities, a direct legacy of Correa's migration policies.

Corruption, drug trafficking, and institutional weakening

Corruption during Correa's government was rampant. It is estimated that 70 billion dollars were embezzled or squandered, leaving Ecuador in 117th place in the corruption index of Transparency International in 2017.

Additionally, his government repressed press freedom with 477 sanctions on journalists and media outlets, in an attempt to silence complaints and scandals.

A legacy of violence and impunity

The deterioration of institutions allowed drug trafficking to infiltrate the justice system and the security forces.

In 2023, of the 7,878 crimes recorded in Ecuador, only 10% were solved. The consequences of this context are reflected in the increase in murders and the expansion of drug trafficking networks, making Ecuador one of the largest cocaine exporters.

The impact of Correa's policies transcends security. The indigenous protests, marked by acts of violence and vandalism, showed how the lack of sanctions became a norm.

Today, the former socialist dictator Rafael Correa is hiding in Belgium, a fugitive from Ecuadorian justice, with more than 30 pending legal processes.

However, his political influence persists, while Ecuador faces the consequences of a government model that opened the doors to narcoterrorism and weakened the structures of the rule of law.