2025 Ecuador protests

The 2025 Ecuador protests that began on 12 September, 2025, are mass demonstrations and national strikes in reaction to the government cancelling fuel subsidies. Indigenous groups led the protests and were joined by farmers, students and civil society organizations, creating a national movement calling for economic reforms and change of government policies. Violent clashes between the protestors and security forces led the government to declare a state of emergency in several provinces.

Background

Fuel subsidies have historically kept agriculture and transport costs low in Ecuador.^[1] This benefitted struggling populations and key economic sectors.^[1] On 13 September, 2025 the government led by President Daniel Noboa, announced the immediate removal of diesel subsidies to reduce fiscal deficits and redirect funds to other social programs.^[2] Diesel fuel prices rose from $1.80 to $2.80 per gallon, 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.^[2][3] 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.^[4] A project that local communities and environmentalists are worried about, as it may pollute important water sources.

Timeline

September 13

On September 13, 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.^[5][6]

September 16

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.^[3][7]

September 17-18

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.^[8]

September 21

The government sent the military to reinforce several cities and provinces, at the same time education institutes shifted activities to online learning.^[9]

September 22-23

Major highways in provinces like Carchi, Pichincha, and Cotopaxi were blocked, marking the start of an ongoing strike le 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.^[10][3]

September 24

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 there whereabouts is unknown.^[11][12]

September 25

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.^[10][13]

September 28

During violent protest in Cotacachi, Imbabura province, security forces killed Efraín Fueres, one of the Indigenous leaders. 12 soldiers were injured during those clashes.^[2][3]

September 29

Strikes and protests continued, with 80 people arrested, 13 of them on charges of terrorism. Local and international critics called the government's use of force against the protestors excessive.^[2][3]

Reactions

Domestic

Government

As of September 16, the government declared a state of emergency for 60 days in seven provinces: Carchi, Imbabura, Pichincha, Azuay, Bolívar, Cotopaxi, and Santo Domingo.^[7] Curfews were declared in Cotopaxi, Imbabura, Chimborazo, Bolívar, and Carchi.^[14] This steps were one to allow the police and military freedom of operation. Following the violent clashes of September 28, an investigation regarding the use of excessive force was opened.^[2] President Noboa accused "narco gangs" for fueling the protests ^[15]

CONAIE

The indigenous organization rejects the cancellation of fuel subsidies, saying it is devastating to millions of families, as well as production, and transport sectors.^[16] On September 30 CONAIE President Marlon Vargas stated the protests will continue until their demands will be answered.^[17]

International

UN: The UN expressed concern other the excessive use of force during the protests, highlighting the right and freedom for peaceful protests. It called for an immediate independent investigation of events.^[18]

EU Italy: They condemned the attack on diplomats that were part of the UN and EU convoy, expressing their solidarity with the diplomats.^[19]

United States: the embassy in Ecuador issued warnings for American citizens.^[7]

See also

• 2019 Ecuadorian protests
• 2022 Ecuadorian protests
• Daniel Noboa
• Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE)
• Fossil fuel phase-out