2025 Ecuador protests

Fuel subsidies have historically kept agriculture and transport costs low in Ecuador.^[7] This benefitted struggling populations and key economic sectors.^[7] On 12 September 2025, President Daniel Noboa eliminated the country's longstanding diesel subsidy via Executive Decree No. 126, with the new price taking effect on 13 September^[8] to reduce fiscal deficits and redirect funds to other social programs.^[9] Diesel fuel prices rose from $1.80 to $2.80 per gallon, The government stated the subsidy had cost the treasury nearly US$1.1 billion annually and undermined the sustainability of public finances. Of the projected savings, $300 million was designated to compensate bus companies, transport operators carrying essential goods, and poor families affected by the price increase,^[10] leading to nationwide strikes and protests led by the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE), similar to protests in 2019 and 2022, over the same issues.^[9][11] The protests that began on September 18, were also fueled by the approval of the Loma Larga mining project, located in the Quimsacocha water reserve, in Azuay province.^[12] A project that local communities and environmentalists are worried about, as it may pollute important water sources.

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On 13 September, President Noboa declares the removal of diesel subsidy as part of national program. On the same day indigenous groups and farmers called for national strikes and road blocks. Demonstrations demanded to restore the subsidies, protection to indigenous lands as well as resources due to the mining project.^[13][14]

Due to the growing unrest President Noboa declares a state of emergency for 60 days and curfew in several provinces, where mass demonstrations are expected following calls for national strikes by CONAIE and other organizations.^[11][15]

Thousands of people protested against a gold mining mining project and environmental hazards, which later got stronger over the fuel prices and the government's use of force against protestors.^[16]

The government sent the military to reinforce several cities and provinces, at the same time education institutes shifted activities to online learning.^[17]

Major highways in provinces like Carchi, Pichincha, and Cotopaxi were blocked, marking the start of an ongoing strike led by Indigenous and farming communities. The military responded with curfews, and creating their own roadblocks, and deployed armored vehicles to control the situation. Most protests remained peaceful but some involved violent clashes and arrests as tensions grew between the demonstrators and the authorities.^[18][11]

On the third consecutive day of the strike, President Noboa visited the highlands city of Otavalo. He was accompanied by UN and EU officials diplomats, but his convoy was attacked by protestors using Molotov cocktails. During the attack 17 soldiers were kidnapped and their whereabouts are unknown.^[19][20]

The strikes and protests continue throughout Ecuador, as the Indigenous organizations continue to oppose government plans for fuel subsidy, oil and mining projects. In response security forces continue enforcing curfews while government officials support those projects on international forums.^[18][21]

On 28 September, Efraín Fuerez died during clashes in Cotacachi, Imbabura province. According to the human rights organisation INREDH (Regional Human Rights Advisory Foundation), Fuerez died after being struck by a firearm allegedly discharged by the armed forces, with an autopsy revealing a gunshot wound to the back that damaged his lung. Human Rights Watch verified videos showing that after Fuerez collapsed, soldiers in military uniform beat him and another man for several minutes before departing. The Attorney General's Office opened an investigation into the use of force that caused his death.^[9][11][22]

As of 18 October, the Alliance for Human Rights in Ecuador had recorded 377 reports of human rights violations, resulting in at least 296 people injured and two deaths. At least 205 people were detained overall during the protests, with 13 charged with terrorism following an attack on a police station in Otavalo. Reporters Without Borders documented 55 attacks on journalists between 22 September and the end of the strike.^[23] Local and international critics called the government's use of force against the protestors excessive.^[9][11]

On October 22, 2025 it was reported that The Indigenous alliance, declared they will stop their protests, following President Daniel Noboa threat to use the army against the protestors and clear the blockades.^[24]