The largest indigenous organization in the country to challenge the Ecuadorian government blocked roads in three Andean states where the state of exception came into effect this Saturday (18th) to control six days of demonstrations.

In Pichincha, whose capital is Quito, and in neighboring Imbabura (north) and Cotopaxi (south), protests continue with a strong presence of indigenous people, representing more than a million of the 1.7 million Ecuadorians after the province was declared. Exception in these counties by the executive.

According to the state-run Security System ECU911, the barricade had stretched to 14 of the country’s 24 counties as of Saturday morning.

The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities (Conaie) is leading protests to lower fuel prices after a 90% (US$1.90) gallon increase in diesel and a 46% (US$2.55) increase in common gasoline between May 2020 and May 2020. Since October 2021, when prices were frozen due to pressure from locals.

Since last year, the business has suggested lowering prices to $1.50 and $2.10, respectively.

According to information received from authorities and local organizations, at least 83 people were injured and 40 detained during demonstrations involving student marches in Quito.

“So far, 75% of flower growers in Ecuador have failed to deliver their shipments. Roads are still closed despite the emergency that some members want to overturn,” said the flower exporters association, a traditional sales item. , from Twitter.

After fruitless calls for dialogue, in which the church, UN and universities offered mediation, conservative President Guillermo Lasso on Friday declared a 30-day state of emergency in Pichincha, Cotopaxi and Imbabura, which were hit hardest by the protests. .

“I promise to defend our capital and country,” the president said in a message broadcast on radio and television on Friday night.

As part of this measure, in the face of “serious internal turmoil”, Lasso declared curfews and suspended civil rights for Pichincha, Cotopaxi and Imbabura between 22:00 and 05:00 local time (00:00 and 07:00 in Brazil). . to connect.

Conaie president Leonidas Iza replied earlier on Saturday: “We vaguely endorse the fight at the national level”.

“From this moment we are preparing the mobilization” to unite Conaie with demonstrations by other workers’ sectors in Quito in parallel with the barricades.

Despite the suspension of the right of assembly, about 500 people—citizens, businessmen, and leaders of manufacturing organizations—gathered on Avenida Shyris, north of Quito, to protest the peace and defense of the Ecuadorian capital of three million inhabitants. . . .

“We need peace and quiet to work and move forward,” 75-year-old housewife Norma Irigoyen told AFP.

Conaie participated in social upheavals that dismissed three heads of state between 1997 and 2005. It sparked more than a week of violent anti-government riots in Quito in October 2019, leaving 11 dead and more than a thousand injured.

belligerent attitude

Due to the increase in drug trafficking and violence, another 60-day state of exception has been in effect in the coastal provinces of Esmeraldas, Manabí and Guayas since April 30. There were protests in Guayas this Saturday.

Lasso, who has been in power for a year, also announced a series of measures on Friday, including increasing the bonus from $50 to $55 for those living in poverty, subsidizing and donating up to 50% of the price of urea for small and medium-sized producers. Overdue loans of up to $3,000 issued by the state bank for productive development.

Conaie has offered a ten-point discount, which must be fulfilled before sitting down.

Addressing Lasso on social media after the announcement of the measures, Iza explained, “In this case, the main problems that you do not intend to solve (…)”.

However, we welcome the developments. Even if they are insignificant, they will help with something for the sectors that are most needed.

Until last December, poverty in Ecuador reached 27.7% of the population and extreme poverty reached 10.5%. Rural areas are the most vulnerable.

Conaie reported on Saturday that his vehicle, which included Iza, was hit.

“He’s fine. We are warning about the state of emergency and the Government’s aggressive stance,” he said on Twitter. Authorities did not comment on the matter.