In a statement, the Executive Branch said that “no one is above the law” and warned that it will punish those who engage in “terrorism, illegal roadblocks, or organized violence” amid social tension over the end of the subsidy.

“Ecuador is an indivisible state (…) No group, organization, or territory can impose its will on the rest of the nation through violence, intimidation, or the paralysis of public services,” the Executive added.

In this context, President Daniel Noboa extended the state of emergency and imposed a curfew in several provinces to “guarantee citizen security and public order.”

The official text also defended the president’s proposal to convene a Constituent Assembly, although social groups believe that this process will not solve the country’s problems.

The warning comes after the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (Conaie) called on Thursday for an immediate and indefinite national strike in rejection of the elimination of the diesel subsidy, a measure they say will raise the cost of living.

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