Ecuador rejects U.S. military bases in major defeat for President Noboa

Carrie Kahn

November 17, 2025 / 7:56 am

GUAYAQUIL, Ecuador — Ecuadorians voted on Sunday to reject a package of referendum measures that would have allowed foreign military bases in the country. The result is seen as a sharp political setback for President Daniel Noboa , the 37-year-old conservative leader and close ally of U.S. President Donald Trump.

The proposal was heavily backed by Noboa as a crucial step to confront drug traffickers and violent gangs. Homicide rates in some Ecuadorian cities are amongst the world's highest, as local gangs, backed by international trafficking cartels fight for territory. The president says roughly 70% of global cocaine flows through the country. Even so, voters decisivel

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