Daijiworld Media Network - Quito
Quito, Oct 8: Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa narrowly escaped harm on Tuesday when his motorcade came under attack by a large group of protesters in Cañar province. The crowd of nearly 500 people reportedly hurled rocks at the president’s car, and officials said there were “signs of bullet damage” on the vehicle.
Environment and Energy Minister Ines Manzano, addressing the media after filing a formal report of an assassination attempt, confirmed that the president was unharmed. “Shooting at the president’s car, throwing stones, damaging state property — that’s just criminal. We will not allow this,” Manzano asserted.
Five people have been arrested in connection with the attack. Noboa’s office announced that all those detained will face charges of terrorism and attempted assassination.
A video released by the presidential office showed rocks being hurled at the motorcade and visible cracks on the vehicle’s windscreen, while another image revealed smashed windows and extensive damage to the car.
The attack occurred against the backdrop of ongoing Indigenous-led protests over the government’s decision to end diesel subsidies, a move critics say has increased the cost of living for farmers and Indigenous communities. The protests, organized by the national Indigenous federation CONAIE, have entered their 16th day, with road blockades and marches disrupting several provinces.
In a statement on X, CONAIE alleged that its members — including elderly women — had been targeted in what it described as “brutal police and military action”. The federation said at least five of its supporters were arbitrarily detained, sharing a video of a woman in traditional attire being escorted away by masked officers.
President Noboa, who was reelected in April, has defended the removal of diesel subsidies, arguing that it will free up $1.1 billion annually to support small-scale farmers and transport workers through direct compensation. His administration had earlier declared emergency measures in several provinces to maintain order.
Defense Minister Gian Carlo Loffredo shared an image of the 37-year-old president standing calmly beside the damaged car, wearing sunglasses. “Nothing stops this president, which is the best sign that the country won’t be stopped either,” he remarked.
Noboa, known for his tough-on-crime policies, has frequently granted emergency powers to the police and armed forces to tackle unrest and security threats.
The attack has further heightened political tensions in Ecuador, with authorities vowing swift action against those responsible.