• Daniel Noboa sworn in for his second term as Ecuador's president.
• He vows to combat drug trafficking and violent crime aggressively.
• Noboa emphasizes unity and fighting corruption as key goals.
• The ceremony was attended by international leaders and dignitaries.
• The president may face challenges from a tenuous congressional majority.

On April 13, Daniel Noboa was reelected and sworn in for a new term as Ecuador's president, pledging to intensify efforts against drug trafficking and violent crime. The inauguration took place in a ceremony at the National Assembly in Quito, witnessed by lawmakers and international dignitaries, including Colombian President Gustavo Petro and U.S. Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who represented the Trump administration. "We are at the doorstep of four years of progress," Noboa stated during his address, emphasizing a commitment to economic growth alongside security issues, according to Al Jazeera, CBS News, and AA.

Noboa, at 37, has positioned combating violent crime as a central part of his administration, stating, "The progressive reduction of homicides will be a non-negotiable goal." With the country facing a surge in violence tied to drug gangs, Noboa plans to deploy militarized crackdowns similar to those in El Salvador. His previous actions, including hiring Erik Prince of Blackwater, have raised concerns among human rights advocates, who warn about increased militarization in Ecuador, according to Al Jazeera and CBS News.

The president's focus on security is critical as Ecuador's violent death toll continues to rise, with estimates of nearly 8,000 recorded by the end of 2024. Critics have noted that simply bolstering security efforts may not address underlying social issues such as unemployment and the lack of educational opportunities that contribute to crime. In this context, Noboa's administration must also prioritize economic development to tackle these challenges, according to CBS News and AA.

Looking ahead, Noboa's ability to implement his agenda may be complicated by a fragile majority in Congress, where allies are essential for passing important legislation. Political analysts caution that losing even a single vote could severely hinder his proposed crime-fighting laws, a critical element of his platform moving forward. Maintaining support from his allied parties will be vital for Noboa’s ambitions during this new term, according to CBS News and AA.