Government calls attack on presidential motorcade in Cañar Province an attempted assassination

The government is asking the Attorney General’s office to investigate what it is calling an assassination attempt on President Daniel Noboa Tuesday afternoon in Cañar Province. The motorcade in which Noboa was riding was attacked by rock-throwing mob in Tambo, where indigenous protesters have maintained roadblocks on the Pan American highway for more than a week.

Arriving for an event Tuesday in Cañar Province, President Daniel Noboa’s car shows damage from a rock-throwing attack in Tambo.

Although photos of the vehicles traveling in the motorcade showed damage, including broken windows, Energy Minister Inés Manzano claimed one of the cars was hit by gunfire. National Police said they were investigating.

Noboa was in Tambo for an inspection and official delivery of a wastewater treatment plant, part of a two-day visit to Cuenca and Cañar Province. An aid to the president said police were aware of protests near Tambo but did not believe they would turn violent. “We understand their feelings but did not believe they would attempt to harm and kill the president and those traveling with him,” the unidentified aid said. “We blame this attack on the leadership of Conaie and will hold them responsible for this and other violence associated with the strike.”

Five people were arrested following the attack and charged with committing terrorist acts.

After his visit in Cañar, Noboa returned to Cuenca where he participated in the opening of educational laboratories at the Manuel J. Calle school. In comments to students and faculty, Noboa referred to the violence in Cañar Province, “Do not follow the bad example set earlier in Tambo where violent people attacked us and tried to stop us from visiting your school today,” he said.

Azuay Governor Xavier Bermudez, who had traveled with Noboa from Cuenca and Tambo, called the attack on the motorcade “an attack on the security of Ecuador,” and said more arrests are expected as the investigation proceeds.

Bermudez also said that the state of emergency declared Sunday for Azuay Province does not suspend rights of assembly and free speech. “In the case of this province, the declaration is intended for the sole purpose of keeping the highways open and its provisions will only be used against those who attempt to block traffic on roadways.”

The governor met Monday with businesses leaders concerned that the declaration would discourage tourists from visiting Cuenca during the coming holidays.