Ecuador president targeted in assassination attempt amid protests

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa was the target of an alleged assassination attempt, according to Energy Minister Inés Manzano. The incident occurred in the south‑central province of Cañar, where Noboa had arrived to unveil new infrastructure projects—a water‑treatment plant and a sewage system valued at $4.5 million that are expected to benefit 26,000 residents. While the presidential convoy was in the area, about 500 protesters surrounded the vehicles, hurling stones that damaged the cars and cracked the windows. Manzano later reported that police found bullet marks on the exterior of Noboa’s car, although the president emerged unharmed.

Five suspects have been detained in connection with the attack, which the government has labeled an “assassination attempt.” The episode is the latest development in a series of protests against Noboa’s economic and security reforms, which critics say harm the country’s indigenous community. The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE), the nation’s main indigenous organization, has been leading the demonstrations, which have included road blockages and clashes with police. While CONAIE acknowledged links to the convoy incident, it denied involvement in any assassination plot and instead accused the government of “brutal police and military action” against demonstrators.

The government has claimed that “terrorist groups” have infiltrated the protests, prompting a state of emergency in ten provinces due to “serious internal unrest.” The unrest follows Noboa’s decision to end a decades‑old fuel subsidy, a move the administration says will cut spending and redirect funds to social programs, but critics argue it will hurt low‑income and indigenous families. The situation remains tense, with authorities vowing to hold those responsible for the attack accountable and to prosecute them for terrorism and attempted murder.

This is not the first attack on Noboa’s convoy. Last month, around 350 protesters stormed a motorcade carrying the president during demonstrations in Imbabura province. The ongoing protests and violence have raised concerns about the country’s stability and the impact of Noboa’s reforms on the indigenous community. As events continue to unfold, the government’s response to the protests and the alleged assassination attempt will be closely watched.