Protests sparked when the Ecuadorian government announced it would cut diesel subsidies. The demonstrations grew nationwide, evolving beyond the issue into broader, anti-government strikes due to the high cost of living, lack of hospital and educational infrastructure, and increasing social insecurity. On Sept. 12, President Noboa announced the removal of diesel subsidies, raising the price per gallon from $1.80 to $2.80. Due to the critical role diesel plays in various economic sectors of Ecuador, the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) organized protests in response to the subsidy cuts. As a result, Noboa declared a state of emergency on Oct. 4 in 10 provinces.

Throughout these protests, the Alliance for Human Rights of Ecuador has reported at least 144 wounded, 12 missing, 310 violations of human rights, and three dead. Two victims died from gunshot wounds sustained during confrontations with law enforcement, while one died from respiratory failure due to tear gas inhalation during the protests.

Protesters have blocked roads, gone on strike, and abducted 17 soldiers who were part of a humanitarian convoy, according to a government spokesperson. The soldiers were freed within [three days] (https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2025-10-01/ecuadors-armed-forces-say-17-kidnapped-soldiers-freed) of their disappearance. President Noboa has claimed the Venezuelan cartel Tren de Aragua is financing these protests, and has threatened to charge protestors with terrorism, warning of a 30-year prison sentence. The government has also taken several other retaliatory moves, including freezing the bank account of activists and suspending media organizations.

President Noboa, an heir to a banana company, has a history of declaring states of emergency which allow the suspension of the right to freedom of assembly and authorize searches without warrant. Noboa also hopes to pass a constitutional referendum, which will include rewriting and stripping of the environmental protections included in the constitution. Ecuador is currently the only country in the world with a constitution that recognizes the rights of nature. Noboa’s proposed referendum for a new constitution will be voted on by Ecuadorians on November 16.