03 Jan 2025 | 11:57 PM UTC
Ecuador: Authorities impose state of emergency and curfew in some areas until at least March 3
Ecuador imposes state of emergency and curfew in certain areas until at least March 3; increased security likely.
In response to major operations by organized crime groups, the Ecuadorian government has imposed a state of emergency in the Metropolitan District of Quito as well as the provinces of El Oro, Guayas, Los Rios, Manabi, Orellana, Santa Elena, and Sucumbios until at least March 3. The Camilo Ponce Enriquez Canton of Azuay Province and the La Troncal Canton of Canar Province are also included in the state of emergency. Under the measure, some constitutional provisions related to the right to be free from warrantless searches and wiretapping are suspended.
Additionally, the government has ordered that a 22:00-05:00 curfew be enforced in the following areas:
Azuay Province: Camilo Ponce Enriquez Canton
Canar Province: La Troncal Canton
Guayas Province: Balao and Duran cantons and Tenguel Parish
Los Rios Province: Baba, Babahoyo, Buena Fe, Mocache, Montalvo, Palenque, Pueblo Viejo, Quevedo, Quinsaloma, Urdaneta, Valencia, Ventanas, and Vinces cantons
Orellana Province: La Joya de los Sachas, Loreto, and Puerto Francisco de Orellana cantons
Sucumbios Province: Shushufindi and Lago Agrio cantons
In these areas, all persons must remain at home during curfew hours, with some exceptions made for essential personnel who must travel during curfew hours to perform their jobs. Both the National Police and armed forces are permitted to enforce the curfew, conduct searches of structures, and intercept correspondence without court authorization.
The decree also orders the mobilization of the armed forces and authorizes the military to conduct law-enforcement operations and target criminal groups. Police and military personnel will likely deploy throughout the affected areas and search buildings, which may cause business disruptions. Such searches are especially likely in areas used by drug traffickers, such as near major ports, including the Port of Guayaquil. Criminal groups may retaliate by engaging in armed attacks on security personnel.
Strictly adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and security personnel. Exercise heightened caution when operating in areas subject to the state of emergency and curfew. If clashes occur, immediately leave the area and seek shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building.
