On the evening of October 4 local time, Ecuador's President Novoa signed Executive Order No. 174, declaring a state of emergency in 10 provinces due to severe internal unrest, suspending freedom of assembly and avoiding violence that paralysed public services.
The executive decree said that in these ten jurisdictions, there was paralysis of public order and violence. It has triggered endangering the safety of citizens and their rights to life, integrity, freedom of movement, freedom of work, economic and productive activities, as well as the obligation of the state to protect strategic sectors. In order to avoid further deterioration of the situation, these 10 provinces entered a state of emergency and suspended the right to freedom of gathering.
The 10 provinces include Pichincha, Asua, Bolivar, Cotopaxi, Tonkulawa, Chimborazo, Canario, Oriana, Sucumbio and Pastasa.
The Ecuadorian government announced on September 12 that it would cancel diesel subsidies and use the funds for social production projects to help vulnerable families, improve public transportation, and promote the development of domestic industries. This move led to an increase in diesel prices, which triggered strong opposition from the transportation industry and social groups such as indigenous people and workers. Incidents such as blocking roads and burning tires have occurred in many provinces, resulting in "serious civil strife" and disturbing public order.
On October 2, the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador announced that it would strike nationwide indefinitely to oppose the elimination of diesel subsidies. In response, Ecuadorian President Noboa said that the government will not compromise on this and stop reforms. (General reporter Deng Xuemei)