The government of Ecuador has issued a “maximum alert” state on Saturday after the reveal of a proposed assassination plot for newly re-elected President Daniel Noboa. It was announced as a response to a leaked intelligence report by the military, saying that Mexicans and other nationals came into Ecuador aiming to commit “terrorist acts” against the president.
The Ministry of Government made a stern announcement denouncing the reported plot. “We energetically condemn and repudiate any attempt against the life of the President of the Republic, state officials, or public servants,” the ministry announced, further reporting that the security forces of the country are placed on high alert.
No particular groups or individuals have been named, but security officials are convinced the attempted assassination was organized by criminal groups claimed to be operating in collaboration with political elements that lost the country’s recent election.
President Noboa, aged 37, won his most recent triumph in the April 13 runoff against opponent Luisa González. González, though, has accused “grotesque electoral fraud,” although these allegations have been downplayed by Ecuador’s electoral council and foreign observers. Importantly, Mexico and Colombia have still not officially acknowledged Noboa’s victory.
Noboa stepped into politics in 2021 as a National Assembly member, becoming the head of the Economic Development Commission. He previously held different leadership positions at his business house, Noboa Corp.
It was notorious for his tough approach to crime, Noboa initially became president in October 2023 following a snap election following the dissolution of the National Assembly by former President Guillermo Lasso. His second-term victory gives him a mandate to keep pushing his hardline anti-crime policies popular with many Ecuadorians, though contentious when it comes to legality and governance.
While the country prepares for possible unrest, the government’s quick reaction signals the delicate political climate and increasing security issues in Ecuador.
