Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa narrowly escaped injury on Tuesday after his motorcade was attacked by a crowd throwing rocks during a protest over the government’s removal of fuel subsidies.
Authorities detained five people, with officials calling the incident an assassination attempt.
Environment and Energy Minister Inés Manzano, who formally reported the attack to prosecutors, said about 500 protesters surrounded the president’s convoy, pelting vehicles with stones.
She added that signs of bullet damage were found on Noboa’s car. “Shooting at the president’s car, throwing stones, damaging state property, that’s just criminal. We will not allow this,” Manzano said.
Noboa’s office said those arrested would face terrorism and attempted assassination charges. Reuters was unable to independently verify whether shots were fired.
Speaking later at a student event in Cuenca, about 77 kilometers (48 miles) from where the attack occurred, the 37-year-old president condemned the violence.
“Do not follow the bad example of those who wanted to stop us from attending this event and who tried to attack us,” Noboa said. “Such attacks will not be accepted in the new Ecuador, and the law applies to everyone.”
The national Indigenous federation CONAIE, which organized the ongoing demonstrations, accused security forces of brutality, saying police and soldiers had attacked protesters.
“At least five of us have been arbitrarily detained,” the group posted on X, sharing footage of an elderly woman being escorted away by armed officers.
CONAIE has led nationwide strikes and road blockades for 16 days to protest Noboa’s decree ending diesel subsidies. Critics argue the move will worsen living costs for small farmers and Indigenous communities.
Noboa’s government defends the reform, saying it will save about $1.1 billion annually, funds already being redirected as compensation to transport workers and small-scale farmers.
Defense Minister Gian Carlo Loffredo shared a photo of Noboa standing beside his damaged car, saying, “Nothing stops this president, which is the best sign that the country won’t be stopped either.”
Images released by the presidency showed a vehicle with shattered windows and a cracked windshield, while video footage captured protesters throwing rocks as the convoy passed.
The attack drew condemnation from regional governments, including Costa Rica, Honduras, and Panama.
In a separate demonstration later that evening, around 200 people marched through Quito to protest against the government’s policies.
Police blocked the procession, and the crowd dispersed peacefully.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
