President Daniel Noboa of Ecuador has stated that he narrowly escaped a poisoning attempt, claiming that three highly concentrated toxic substances were discovered in gifts of chocolate and jam intended for him. Noboa asserted that his team possesses proof supporting this claim, although he has not yet publicly presented evidence.
Speaking to CNN, the President expressed his belief that the accidental presence of such potent chemicals in the gifts was “practically impossible.” This assertion follows a period of significant unrest in Ecuador, marked by protests against rising fuel prices and a crackdown by his administration on drug gangs. Critics have accused Noboa of employing heavy-handed tactics, including targeting protesters.
Noboa dismissed suggestions that these allegations, the latest in a series of alleged threats against him in recent months, were a ploy to discredit his opponents. He drew parallels to earlier incidents, stating, “No one throws a Molotov cocktail at themselves… or poisons themselves with chocolate, or throws stones at themselves.”
Earlier in October, Ecuador’s government reported the detention of five individuals suspected of an assassination attempt. According to the country’s energy and environment minister, approximately 500 people threw rocks at the president’s vehicle, which also showed signs of bullet damage. The minister confirmed that Noboa was unharmed. The BBC could not independently verify the claim of a bullet being fired.
In late September, a humanitarian convoy carrying President Noboa was reportedly ambushed. Officials stated that about 350 individuals attacked the convoy, which included diplomats from the UN and EU, with Molotov cocktails while it was delivering aid to communities affected by a national strike. Noboa shared images on social media depicting damaged vehicles.
The national strike, initiated to protest the government’s decision to end diesel subsidies, concluded on Thursday after several weeks. The strike was organized by Ecuador’s primary Indigenous organization, the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (Conaie), known for leading movements that led to the ousting of three presidents between 1997 and 2005.