Event Summary
On 16 September 2025, President Daniel Noboa declared a new state of emergency in Ecuador amid reactions across several parts of the country to the elimination of the diesel subsidy (in place since 1974) and mobilizations opposing mining projects in Quimsacocha, Azuay Province. The state of emergency decree was focused on the main provinces of Carchi, Imbabura, Pichincha, Azuay, Bolívar, Cotopaxi, and Santo Domingo, where a greater number of road blockages were reported, under the argument that these were hindering the normal development of citizens’ personal, economic, commercial, and work activities. Through Executive Decree 134, the freedom of assembly was suspended for 60 days, prohibiting gatherings in public spaces at all hours of the day. The decree also empowered the Armed Forces and the National Police to prevent and disperse meetings in public spaces.
Following the publication of Executive Decree 134, in the seven provinces where the measures were focused, the right to freedom of assembly was suspended with the stated aim of limiting gatherings of people in public spaces intended to paralyze public services or block transportation routes. Despite clarifying in the decree that the measures did not imply restrictions on the right to peaceful protest, demonstrations led by students and teachers’ unions—such as those held on September 16, which sought to march toward the city center in opposition to government measures—were intercepted by members of the Armed Forces, who dispersed them using tear gas and stun grenades.
In response to the elimination of the subsidy, several demonstrations have taken place in Ecuador, which have been repressed by law enforcement, resulting in the detention of at least 10 people participating in protests across different parts of the country. The main protest hotspots have been concentrated in the provinces of Carchi and Quito, where groups of heavy transport workers and citizens have blocked access roads to these cities. The executive branch announced that measures would be taken against people obstructing public services, applying maximum penalties. In his statements, the president said: “No union leader should try to pressure us by threatening to cut off the water supply. Anyone who does so will be charged with terrorism and could face up to 30 years in prison.