The government said a convoy carrying humanitarian aid, led by Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, was attacked late Sunday after entering Imbabura Province.
Based on data from CNN
On Sunday in Imbabura Province, Ecuador, a convoy carrying President Daniel Noboa and several foreign diplomats came under attack during protests over rising fuel prices.
The instability, which has been ongoing for eight days, intensified after the government decided to remove subsidies on diesel to reduce budget expenditures, curb fuel smuggling, and free up funds for social programs. In Imbabura, demonstrators are blocking roads and clashing with police.
On Monday, the government said that about 350 people attacked the convoy on Sunday, using fireworks, Molotov cocktails, and stones as it moved toward the area where humanitarian aid is distributed.
About 50 soldiers guarding the vehicles attempted to repel the attackers, said President’s spokeswoman Karolina Haramillo, not specifying whether there were injuries.
The presidency also said that the convoy carried high-ranking figures, among them Vatican diplomat Andres Carrascosa, EU ambassador Ekaterina Dorodnova, and Italian ambassador Giovanni Davoli.
The Italian Embassy in Ecuador said that its ambassador was not injured in the attack, which it characterized as a “terrorist act” aimed at the head of state.
CNN contacted EU and Vatican diplomatic missions for additional information.
“We keep moving forward: Ecuador cannot go back”
Noboa on Monday posted on X photographs of several cars with broken windows. He said the attackers sought to hinder the country’s progress by force: “We keep moving forward: Ecuador cannot go back.”
“I think it’s quite clear: violent actions – in this case initiated by Marlon Vargas, the leader of CONAIE, who just a few weeks ago, less than a week ago, called for protests and criminal actions, such as seizing oil wells, – may lead to a tragic outcome, including loss of human lives”
The presidency noted that Sunday’s attack was linked to so-called “terrorist groups,” which, according to them, infiltrated the demonstrations.
“An initial investigation will be conducted – based on international protocols – by the Specialized Unit for Investigating Illegal Use of Force to ensure the objectivity of the process”
According to officials, a second attack on a separate humanitarian convoy was recorded over the weekend: at least one person died, nine soldiers were wounded, and 17 service members are missing. CONAIE, which leads the protests, rejected the government’s claims and said the dead person was an indigenous resident who was shot by the military. The organization calls on the government to stop repressing the people and halt mining on their lands. Indigenous leaders also accuse the government of harshly suppressing protests and allowing mining on their lands.
The prosecutor’s office emphasized that the investigation will be conducted in accordance with international protocols to ensure the objectivity of the process and transparency of law enforcement actions.
Context of the Events and Prospects for Investigation
A key topic remains the security of high-ranking figures during crisis situations and how the government plans to ensure order during prolonged protests. Official statements point to checks in accordance with international norms and transparency of investigations to prevent repeat incidents and to determine the roles of various groups in the unrest.
Analysts emphasize that the escalation of the conflict could affect the country’s economic and political stability, while also challenging Ecuador’s image on the international stage and trust in security forces’ statistics. At the same time, Indigenous leaders call on the government to rethink the policy of mineral extraction and to strengthen dialogue with communities about the future use of the lands.
