Ecuador, state of exception for 60 days: security alert in seven provinces and prisons

President Daniel Noboa signs the decree on the eve of the ballot: night curfew and extraordinary powers to the army and police

Ecuador has declared a state of exception in seven provinces, in the capital Quito and in all the country’s prisons. The decision was made official today, Saturday 12 April, with the signing of Executive Decree 599 by President Daniel Noboa, in response to escalating violence linked to narcos organisations.

Areas affected
The measure affects the coastal provinces of Guayas, Los Ríos, Manabí, Santa Elena and El Oro, as well as the Amazonian provinces of Orellana and Sucumbíos. A curfew from 10pm to 5am will be in force in these areas. In Quito there is no curfew, but a state of exception remains in force.

Enhanced security and suspension of rights
The decree provides for the temporary suspension of the inviolability of the home and correspondence, as well as the mobilisation of the armed forces and police. The aim is to cope with an average of one murder every hour recorded between January and February, making 2025 the most violent start to the year ever recorded in the country.

On the eve of the ballot
The decision comes on the eve of the runoff for the presidency: Daniel Noboa, 37, leader of the right-wing National Democratic Action party, will challenge lawyer Luisa Gonzalez, 47, of the left-wing Revolución Ciudadana party, linked to former president Rafael Correa.

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