Ecuador imposes state of emergency and curfew in several provinces

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has declared a state of emergency in eight provinces and three cities due to a security crisis. The head of state signed the corresponding decree, reports Primicias.

The state of emergency was introduced in the provinces of El Oro, Esmeraldas, Guayas, Los Rios, Manabi, Pichincha, Santa Helena and Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas, as well as in three cantons: Camilo Ponce Enriquez (Asuay province), Las Navez (Bolivar province) and La Mana (Cotopaxi province). The measure will last 60 days. During this period, the rights to inviolability of the home and confidentiality of correspondence are limited.

In the provinces of El Oro, Guayas, Los Rios and Manabi, a curfew will also be imposed from September 17 to September 30: residents will not be allowed to leave their homes at night. Home Secretary John Reimberg said the curfew would be accompanied by extensive security measures. The government also intends to intensify operations against criminal organizations operating in these provinces.

The Interior Ministry reported that from January to July 2026, 4,882 cases of premeditated murder were registered in the country. The largest increase was recorded in the province of El Oro, where the number of murders rose from 358 in 2025 to 634 in 2026. This region is considered one of the most criminal along with Guayas, Manabi and Los Rios.