Ecuador has issued a “maximum alert” after a reported conspiracy to kill President Daniel Noboa, who was re-elected recently in a disputed election. Criminal gangs with ties to political movements that lost the election are blamed by the government, although information is still limited.
A leaked military intelligence report states that individuals entering Ecuador from Mexico and other countries conspired “terrorist attacks” against the president. While no information has been released, authorities condemned any attempts to harm the president or government officials.
Noboa received 55.6% of the vote in the April 13 runoff election against Luisa Gonzalez, who has called the outcome “the most grotesque electoral fraud”. International monitors and Ecuador’s electoral council have reported no evidence of fraud. Gonzalez is requesting a recount and has won support from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Mexico-Ecuador tensions remain high after the Ecuadorian soldiers invaded Mexico’s embassy last year to arrest a former vice president who had been granted asylum, leading to a diplomatic row.
A hard-line president and rich heir, Noboa has concentrated on taking a strong military stance against gangs and prison brutality. As security and political tensions grow, his government is under growing pressure to maintain order and legitimacy.
