Background on the Situation
The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE), the largest indigenous organization in Ecuador, has called for an immediate and indefinite national strike due to the termination of diesel subsidies. This decision has caused a 56% increase in diesel prices, raising the cost of a gallon from $1.80 to $2.80.
Historical Context and Previous Protests
Former Ecuadorian presidents Lenín Moreno (2017-2021) and Guillermo Lasso (2021-2023) faced violent protests led by CONAIE over fuel price hikes, forcing them to reverse their decisions. The current president, Daniel Noboa, who took office in 2023, is now confronted with large-scale protests against a proposed mining project.
Immediate Impact of the Subsidy Elimination
With the elimination of the diesel subsidy, transportation costs have risen significantly. This has sparked protests resulting in over a dozen arrests. Transportation blockades temporarily closed access to Quito and roads in the Andean province of Carchi, prompting Noboa to declare a state of exception in seven out of Ecuador’s 24 provinces.
CONAIE’s Demands and Actions
CONAIE president Marlon Vargas announced the national strike following a meeting in Riobamba, central Andean Ecuador. The organization demands the immediate revocation of the decree ending the subsidy, citing that it increases transportation, production, food, and living costs for millions of Ecuadorian families.
CONAIE also forbids the entry of public forces into indigenous territories and asserts that indigenous people constitute nearly 8% of Ecuador’s 17 million population, or up to 25% according to anthropological studies.
The annual diesel subsidy amounts to $1.1 billion, which will be allocated to bonuses for low-income families, productive credits, and temporary transportation public transit compensations, as per the executive branch.
Government Response
President Noboa warned protesters, stating that they will be charged with terrorism and face 30 years in prison if they attempt to undermine the established order. Trade unions plan to march in Quito on September 23rd.
CONAIE has a history of leading successful protests that led to the resignations of three presidents between 1997 and 2005.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue causing the strike? The elimination of diesel subsidies, which has caused a 56% increase in diesel prices.
- Who is CONAIE, and why are they relevant? CONAIE is the largest indigenous organization in Ecuador, representing nearly 8% of the country’s population. They have a history of leading successful protests against unfavorable policies.
- What are CONAIE’s demands? CONAIE demands the immediate revocation of the decree ending diesel subsidies and forbids public forces’ entry into indigenous territories.
- How has the government responded to the protests? The government has declared a state of exception in certain provinces and warned protesters of potential terrorism charges, with a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.
