Ecuador: Increased political tensions

Event

On Monday, November 27, the head of the Unidad Popular (UP) political party formally requested Ecuador’s Attorney General to open a corruption investigation into former President Rafael Correa. If the AG complies, Correa could be barred from leaving the country. He has been living in Belgium since his term ended in May, but is currently on a visit to Ecuador to attend a party conference scheduled for December 3. Minor clashes broke out between supporters and protesters awaiting Correa at Guayaquil Airport (GYE) on November 25 as he returned to the country.

Furthermore, the UP will take part in an anti-governmental march scheduled for November 29 in the capital Quito, called for by the FUT union (Frente Unitario de Trabajadores). Demonstrators will gather in front of the Constitutional Court (Corte Constitucional; CC) before marching to the Palacio de Carondelet (the seat of the government).

Context

Correa has been linked to corruption scandals related to the energy multinationals Odebrecht and PetroChina. Tensions have been high between Correa and current President Lenín Moreno, despite the two being from the same political party, the leftist Alianza PAIS. Correa described Moreno as a sheep in wolf’s clothing following the detention of Ecuador’s Vice President Jorge Glas, who was arrested on October 2, also in connection with the Odebrecht scandal; Glas is accused of accepting bribes while serving under Correa. Moreno is expected to be dismissed as the head of the Alianza PAIS during the abovementioned December 3 conference.

Advice

Individuals in Ecuador are advised to keep abreast of the sociopolitical climate and avoid all associated protests due to the risk of violence.