Security & Strategic Review - January 2026

Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa was confident of victory in a 16 November referendum that included a proposal to allow the return of foreign military bases – so confident, in fact, that he invited US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to tour two prospective sites for US troops in the run-up to the vote. Noboa has now been left with egg on his face after voters resoundingly rejected the proposal by 60.82%-39.18%. Despite this setback, the arrival of US troops in December for temporary activities within Ecuador suggests that the two governments are finding a way to work around the referendum defeat.