Ecuador Implements New Curfew in Five Coastal Provinces from November 1-10

President Daniel Noboa announced a new curfew on October 14, a measure subsequently confirmed by Interior Minister John Reimberg on October 15. This new curfew will be applied in five coastal provinces: Guayas, Manabí, Los Ríos, El Oro, and Esmeraldas. Esmeraldas is a new addition to the list of provinces under this restriction. The measure is scheduled to be in effect from November 1 to November 10, 2026.

This marks the fourth curfew implemented in Ecuador this year. The previous curfew, from September 17 to September 30, was in effect from 00:00 to 05:00. President Noboa stated that the last curfew resulted in a 40% reduction in crime. The upcoming curfew will coincide with national holidays for Cuenca's independence and the Day of the Dead. The conditions for this new curfew are expected to be consistent with previous restrictions, limiting freedom of transit.

Guayas, Manabí, Los Ríos, and El Oro have been under successive states of exception due to insecurity attributed to criminal gang disputes. The new curfew is part of a series of special operations aimed at combating crime and weakening criminal structures. Additionally, the extradition of Daniel Salcedo and Ronald Herrera to the United States is scheduled for October 29.

What to watch

Businesses and residents in the affected coastal provinces should monitor official communications for specific curfew hours, which have not yet been detailed. The timing of the curfew during national holidays may impact travel and commercial activities. The effectiveness of this measure in reducing crime, as claimed by the government, will be a key point of observation.

Sources: eluniverso.com; primicias.ec; primicias.ec.