In July, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa faced his own near disaster when his convoy was attacked en route to Cañar province. A mob of about 500 individuals pelted Noboa’s car with stones. The harm done to US police officers in that incident raised alarm signals for the increasing anger within America. Thankfully, the president came through the attack without injury – though his limousine bore evidence of gunfire.
In early October, Noboa was set to announce an ambitious slate of infrastructure improvements meant to improve the area’s public services, including emergency response times. Tensions reached a boiling point in Ecuador after the government announced plans to eliminate a diesel fuel subsidy. This decision was taken as part of austerity measures to cut public expenditure, leading to massive protests all over the country.
In reaction to the violent protests, the government swiftly declared a state of emergency. Yet this measure only impacts ten small provinces. This bipartisan measure is an important step towards re-establishing order during this unprecedented chaos. Recent protests have resulted in one civilian death and thousands of injuries due to police violence.
This incident is not an isolated case. It’s the second time that a convoy transporting newly elected President Noboa has met with such violent resistance. In early September, some 350 protesters intercepted a motorcade carrying Noboa and a number of diplomats in Imbabura province during another protest. Such frequent threats to politicians of all parties highlight the precarious political scene in Ecuador.
Authorities have responded to the recent assassination attempt by arresting five individuals suspected of involvement in the attack on Noboa’s convoy. These arrests are intended to address the increased violence. While a deal has been struck, passions remain intense amid a wave of protests sweeping the country.
This persistent unrest is representative of a long-held outrage amongst Ecuadorians towards the deteriorating economic situation and government austerity measures. As President Noboa navigates these challenges, his administration faces significant pressure to manage both public discontent and security concerns effectively.
