Latest news in Ecuador? September 12th, 2026

New Curfews in Coastal ProvincesThe government announced a new curfew set to run from September 17 to September 30 across four heavily affected provinces: Guayas, Manabí, Los Ríos, and El Oro. The measure is part of ongoing states of emergency aimed at concentrating military and police resources against organized crime factions and gang violence.EU-Ecuador Investment AgreementThe European Commission formally presented the EU-Ecuador Sustainable Investment Facilitation Agreement (SIFA) to the European Council for signature. This marks the first SIFA negotiated with a Latin American country, designed to streamline foreign direct investment, improve regulatory certainty, and boost investments in renewable energy and sustainable raw materials.Human Rights Scrutiny Over MilitarizationInternational human rights organizations and observation missions, including Peace Brigades International, published findings raising concerns over the criminalization of civil society, indigenous protests, and environmental defenders. The report cited heightened militarization, record levels of youth detention, and the legal measures used against critics amid security operations.El Niño Threat to Productive SectorsEconomic and agricultural associations voiced alerts over potential multimillion-dollar losses linked to the strengthening El Niño weather phenomenon, which threatens coastal infrastructure, fisheries, and agricultural output with unseasonal rain and flooding.Presidential Diplomatic AgendaPreparations are underway for President Daniel Noboa’s scheduled travel to New York for the United Nations General Assembly later in the month, where the administration plans to seek increased international security aid and foreign trade partnerships.