30 Apr 2022 | 08:54 AM UTC
Ecuador: State of Exception implemented in three coastal provinces as of April 30
State of Exception implemented in three coastal provinces in Ecuador as of April 30. Curfew in place in some locations.
Event
President Guillermo Lasso declared a 60-day State of Exception in Guayas, Manabi, and Esmeraldas provinces April 29 in an effort to combat organized crime. Approximately 9,000 additional security personnel will be deployed to the region. A 23:00-05:00 curfew has also been established in the following areas:
Esmeraldas Province: Parishes of Esmeraldas.
Guayas Province: Eloy Alfaro (Duran Canton), and Ximena and Pascuales.
Additional security patrols, checkpoints, and operations are likely in the impacted locations through late June. Officials may amend or extend curfews in response to security assessments. Security operations could result in some confrontations with criminal groupings. Curfews and other restrictive measures will likely disrupt business and public transportation. Protests in response to the increased security measures are possible. Confrontations between demonstrators and police could occur if protesters ignore police orders to disperse or are overly disruptive.
Advice
Heed the instructions of security officials. Travel with identity documents to facilitate movement through checkpoints. Avoid all demonstrations. Liaise with trusted contacts for regular updates. Reconfirm transport schedules.
