Daniel Noboa Appoints New Intelligence Director Following Predecessor's Death in Kenya Crash

Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa has appointed Luis Carlos Ávila Chávez as the new acting director of the National Intelligence Center. The decision comes in the wake of the tragic death of the former director, Michele Sensi-Contugi, who perished in a helicopter accident in Kenya.

Ávila Chávez's appointment was formalized through Executive Decree 477. The decree also includes a message of gratitude from President Noboa to Sensi-Contugi, acknowledging his "valuable services to the country" and recognizing his professional career, public service, and dedication. Sensi-Contugi was remembered for his commitment while serving as the Director General of the National Intelligence Center.

In a separate decree, Executive Decree 476, President Noboa declared three days of national mourning in Ecuador, from August 20 to 22, 2026. This period of mourning is in honor of Michele Sensi-Contugi Ycaza and his wife, Stephany María Hollihan Vásconez de Sensi Contugi, who were among the seven victims of the helicopter crash in northern Kenya.

The accident occurred on August 19, 2026, near Mount Ololokwe. The Eurocopter EC130 B4 helicopter was en route from Loisaba to Ewasonyiro when it crashed. Kenyan authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, which claimed the lives of six tourists and the pilot. The difficult terrain and ongoing fires have complicated rescue and investigation efforts.

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for the valuable services he provided to the country and recognizes his professional career, his vocation for public service, as well as the dedication, loyalty, and commitment demonstrated in fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to him as Director General of the National Intelligence Center.