Ecuador has declared a 60-day state of emergency in response to worsening public order nationwide.
The declaration follows riots by prisoners at six jails in Ecuador, and an incident where a leading member of the criminal organization ‘Los Choneros’, prisoner Adolfo Macias, escaped from prison. From the evening of January 8th, there have been bombings across the country, and on the following day, a TV station was taken over. During the state of emergency, a curfew is in place from 11 PM to 5 AM.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a spot information release, urging people to stay informed with the latest news and to avoid areas where disturbances are occurring. If there is a disturbance, people are advised to refrain from non-essential outings and travel, to act inconspicuously, and to secure essential supplies such as food, drinking water, and gasoline for the time being. The Ministry also calls for ensuring one’s own safety.
