Ecuador Extends State of Emergency in 4 Provinces and 1 City by 30 Days Due to Severe Unrest

On the evening of October 5 local time, Ecuadorian President Noboa signed Executive Order No. 175 in the capital Quito, announcing a 30-day extension of the state of emergency in Guayas, El Oro, Los Ríos, Manabí provinces, and the city of Echeandía in Bolívar Province due to severe internal unrest.

According to the executive order, Ecuador's Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Interior, National Police, and armed forces are responsible for coordinating with all relevant entities and agencies to implement the order, suspending the inviolability of private residences and communications.

On October 4, ten additional provinces in Ecuador entered a 60-day state of emergency.

On September 12, the Ecuadorian government announced the elimination of diesel subsidies, reallocating the funds to social production projects to help vulnerable families, improve public transportation, and promote domestic industry development. This move led to an increase in diesel prices, sparking strong opposition from the transportation sector and social groups including indigenous communities and workers. Multiple provinces witnessed road blockades, tire burnings, and other incidents, resulting in "severe internal disorder" and disruption of public order.

On October 2, the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador declared an indefinite nationwide strike to protest the removal of diesel subsidies and began marching toward the capital, Quito. In response, President Noboa stated that the government would not compromise or halt reforms, and any attempts to attack Quito would be met with severe countermeasures. On September 13, Noboa had already announced the temporary relocation of government offices from Quito to Latacunga, the capital of Cotopaxi Province, while emphasizing that this does not change Quito's status as the national capital.