Ecuador: State of Emergency

A few days after the events that shook the world, the streets are calm, businesses have resumed their activities, and so have the passersby. Below are some snapshots taken on Friday, January 12, 2024, in the streets near the ITK Voyage Ecuador & Galapagos agency in Sangolqui, in the metropolitan area of Quito.

The Canadian Embassy reports the presence of minefields in the south and southeast of the border with Peru. Major cities in Ecuador, such as Quito, except for coastal cities, are again classified as a “zone of usual caution.”

Ecuador to avoid for security reasons, as of January 9, 2024.

The coastal areas between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean are generally in a tense zone, outside of a state of emergency. The map shows that major urban areas, such as Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca, are indeed tense. These areas are likely to experience protests, unrest, and acts of violence.

Rural areas and the Amazon, on the other hand, are generally spared from violence, although it is always important to exercise caution in these regions. Because, whether it’s France or Ecuador, the factor of zero risk truly never exists. Galapagos, on the other hand, is a safe destination. Crime, violence, and other disturbances are generally negligible or almost nonexistent there.

On Friday, January 12, 2024, on the famous square of the San Francisco church in Quito (UNESCO), daily life is also resuming. Security tension in Ecuador: areas to avoid in 2024. Map of areas and regions in Ecuador to avoid for security reasons, as of January 9, 2024.

The state of emergency and state of internal armed conflict are in effect for a period of 60 days. During this time, the army and police are deployed throughout the country. Regarding measures for travelers, please note:

• A curfew is in effect from 11 pm to 5 am nationwide.
• The areas of Quito and Guayaquil are particularly tense.
• The government is officially combating drug crime and traffickers by deploying the army in the streets of major cities 24/7.
• We recommend closely following information from local authorities and follow security guidelines.

* We will keep you informed of the situation regularly from Quito and adjust our offerings based on security conditions.

• The states of emergency declared by the President of the Republic aim to restore peaceful coexistence in the country, both for Ecuadorian citizens and visitors.
• We emphasize that, despite the state of emergency, travel to and from airports is permitted. This exception ensures that travelers can arrive and depart from Ecuador.
• Connectivity with all air destinations is available. Seaports and airports operate normally, with additional security measures in place at terminals to ensure traveler safety.
• Police and military presence is maintained to protect citizens and visitors.
• Currently, there is no entry ban, and no incidents of violence are reported in the Galápagos Islands, the Amazon region, or national parks, which are the main tourist destinations in Ecuador.
• Hotels and other tourist services provide attention and assistance to clients as usual. However, visitors are advised to stay informed and follow security recommendations from their accommodations and tour operators.
• The government of the Republic of Ecuador, law enforcement, and tourism authorities are working tirelessly to ensure that tourists’ visits to our country are as enriching and safe as ever.
• We want to convey a message of confidence to our future visitors: Ecuador.

* Source: Official announcement from the Ministry of Tourism of Ecuador to the tourist community and the general public dated January 9, 2024, signed by Niels Olsen Peet, Minister of Tourism in Ecuador.

The state of internal armed conflict is an exceptional state declared by the president of Ecuador. It allows the state to take extraordinary measures to address a situation of serious and prolonged violence. The state of internal armed conflict gives the president the following powers:

• He can mobilize the armed forces and police to deal with armed groups.
• He can suspend constitutional guarantees, such as the freedom of assembly and freedom of expression.
• He can decree martial law in certain areas of the country.
• The state of internal armed conflict is valid for a period of 60 days. It can be extended if the situation of violence persists.

In Ecuador, the state of internal armed conflict is a controversial measure. Some believe it is necessary to restore order, while others fear it may lead to human rights violations. Here are some examples of measures taken in Ecuador under the state of internal armed conflict:

• The armed forces have been deployed in areas most affected by violence.
• The police have been authorized to use lethal force against armed groups.
• Laws have been passed to strengthen penalties for drug-related crimes.

It is still too early to say whether the state of internal armed conflict will restore order in Ecuador. Even though out there on the streets the situation may appear to be calming down, the situation remains volatile.

In Tuesday afternoon at the premises of the Ecuadorian TV channel TC Televisión in Guayaquil, armed men, identified as drug traffickers, took journalists and channel employees hostage. This happened following president’s sign of Ecuador’s “state of emergency and curfew”.

A live broadcast by Ecuadorian television station TC was interrupted by a group of armed people who forced staff to the floor, causing great concern in the country. It is unclear whether this incident is related to the disappearance of the of the Choneros gang, Adolfo Macías Villamar, or Fito as he is better known.

After several hours of negotiations, security forces stormed the channel’s premises. The hostage takers were neutralized, and all hostages were freed unharmed.