Rafael Correa, the socialist who allowed the advance of narco-terrorism in Ecuador

The government of 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 narco-terrorism in the country.

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

The relationship with the United States

In 2009, Correa ordered the closure of the US 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 FARC, the left-wing terrorist organization in Colombia, into Ecuadorian territory.

However, the dismantling of the base marked a radical change in Ecuador's international cooperation policy, seriously damaging its capacity to confront organized crime.

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

the FARC.

Instead of collaborating in the fight against narco-terrorism, Correa adopted a position that, according to documents and testimonies, was marked by alleged links with the FARC, who would have financed his first presidential campaign with contributions that reached $500,000.

Policies that weakened security The

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

.

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

According to estimates, between 1,200 and 3,000 offenders were immediately released, while others benefited from reduced sentences in subsequent years. This policy was widely criticized for encouraging the strengthening of organized crime

.

In the area of migration, the elimination of the need for a visa during his administration made it easier for people linked to drug trafficking to enter. In 2024, the government of Daniel Noboa deported 1,500 foreign prisoners, most of them linked to illegal activities, a direct legacy of Correa's immigration policies

.

Corruption, drug trafficking and institutional weakening

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

2017.

In addition, his government suppressed press freedom with 477 sanctions against journalists and media, in an attempt to silence complaints and scandals.

A legacy of violence and impunity

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

.

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

.

The impact of Correa's policies goes beyond security. Indigenous protests, marked by acts of violence and vandalism, showed how the lack of sanctions became

a norm.

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

However, its political influence persists, while Ecuador faces the consequences of a government model that opened the door to narco-terrorism and weakened the structures of the rule of law.