12 Oct 2019 | 08:06 PM UTC
Ecuador: Clashes continue in Quito October 12 as protest leaders accept negotiations /update 10
Anti-austerity demonstrators clash with security forces in Quito October 12 as indigenous protest leaders signal willingness to negotiate with President Lenín Moreno; similar demonstrations and clashes to be expected over near term
Event
Anti-austerity demonstrators continued to clash with security forces in Quito for a tenth day on Saturday, October 12, as indigenous protest leaders signaled their willingness to negotiate with President Lenín Moreno. The indigenous protest leaders' statement, declaring they had decided to "participate in direct dialogue" with Moreno, comes as groups of young men obstructed roads with burning tires and rocks and reportedly set fire to the national comptroller's office; police reportedly fired tear gas at demonstrators around the parliamentary building. Notably, access roads to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) were reportedly blocked on Saturday.
Additional protests and strike actions and consequent disruptions to business and transportation are to be expected in major urban centers in Ecuador over the coming days. Accompanying clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.
Context
Several civil society groups and unions began protesting and striking on October 3 in response to President Moreno's announcement on October 1 that the government would eliminate nearly USD 1.3 billion in fuel subsidies to reduce the country's fiscal deficit. Prices of gasoline and diesel fuel are expected to increase significantly as a result of the measure, which came into effect on October 3. The Ecuadorian government has declared a two-month state of emergency and deployed military and police forces to reopen roads and restore order in protest-affected areas. President Moreno moved his government from Quito to Guayaquil following violent protests that vandalized the assembly building in the capital on October 7.
Advice
Individuals in Quito and across Ecuador are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations, anticipate a heightened security presence and associated disruptions to transportation and business, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.
