Ecuador grants immunity to foreign personnel aiding war on criminal gangs

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has issued a decree granting immunity to foreign personnel who participate in actions against organized crime within the country. This measure, aligned with international agreements signed by Ecuador, aims to strengthen cooperation in neutralizing the threats posed by criminal groups involved in drug trafficking, illegal mining, and extortion.

The decree specifically states that "foreign personnel from cooperating states who participate in actions executed within the framework of the internal armed conflict will enjoy immunity in accordance with applicable international instruments and agreements subscribed to" by Ecuador. This move comes as Ecuador continues its declared "internal armed conflict" against mafias, which began in January 2024 amid a surge in criminal activity.

The government is seeking international assistance to bolster its efforts against these pervasive criminal threats. The declaration of an "internal armed conflict" signifies the severity of the situation, as the country grapples with escalating violence and illicit activities fueled by powerful criminal organizations.

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The foreign personnel from the cooperating states who participate in the actions executed within the framework of the internal armed conflict will enjoy immunity in accordance with the applicable international instruments and agreements subscribed to by the Andean nation.