Ecuador declares national mourning for intelligence chief killed in Kenya

Ecuador is observing three days of national mourning after the deaths of Michele Sensi-Contugi, the director general of the National Intelligence Center, and his wife, Stephany María Hollihan Vásconez de Sensi Contugi, in Kenya. President Daniel Noboa Azin issued Executive Decree No. 476, officially declaring the mourning period for August 20, 21, and 22, 2026.

Remarkably, the decree was signed and dated from Shanghai on August 20, 2026. The government's official statement highlighted its profound gratitude for Sensi-Contugi's professional trajectory, dedication to public service, loyalty, and commitment to defending national interests and the well-being of Ecuadorians.

As a sign of institutional respect, the decree mandates that the national flag be flown at half-mast at all public facilities, both civilian and military, throughout the country during the three days of official mourning. Furthermore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility, the Ministry of National Defense, and the Ministry of the Interior have been instructed to coordinate with the family to organize a state funeral in accordance with public ceremonial regulations.