Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has alleged that an attempt was made to poison him through contaminated gifts of chocolate and jam, containing three highly concentrated toxic substances. Speaking to CNN on Thursday, Noboa asserted that the presence of these chemicals in such high concentrations was “practically impossible” by chance. While he claimed his team possesses evidence supporting the allegation, no concrete proof has been publicly disclosed. This incident marks the third alleged attempt on Noboa’s life in just two months, following violent clashes and protests against his administration’s policies, including a sharp rise in fuel prices and the removal of diesel subsidies. Noboa, a center-right leader, has implemented military crackdowns on drug gangs but faces accusations of targeting protesters. He dismissed suggestions that these alleged attempts were staged to portray his detractors as violent, stating, “No one throws a Molotov cocktail at themselves… or poisons themselves with chocolate.” Earlier in October, Ecuador’s government detained five individuals over an alleged assassination attempt, during which about 500 people reportedly threw rocks at the president’s car, leaving “signs of bullet damage.” However, the BBC could not independently confirm a bullet was fired. In late September, a humanitarian convoy carrying Noboa and including UN and EU diplomats was ambushed by approximately 350 people, who attacked with Molotov cocktails and took 17 soldiers hostage. Noboa shared images of the damaged vehicles on social media. Meanwhile, a national strike led by the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (Conaie) against the government’s decision to end diesel subsidies concluded on Thursday after weeks of protests. Conaie, which has historically played a pivotal role in Ecuadorian politics, led demonstrations that ousted three presidents between 1997 and 2005.
Ecuador’s president says he was target of foiled chocolate and jam poisoning
