16 Oct 2019 | 01:04 AM UTC
Ecuador: Situation begins to normalize following protests October 15 /update 16
Situation begins to normalize in Quito and other cities as of October 15 after government protesters reach an agreement; residual disruptions possible over the coming days
Event
The situation in Ecuador has begun to normalize as of Tuesday, October 15, after President Lenin Moreno reached an agreement with indigenous leaders on Sunday, October 13. Traffic in the capital Quito has largely returned to normal and some roadblocks in other cities and regions are being removed; however, clean-up operations are ongoing, and some roads may still be closed. Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) is open but residual disruptions are possible as some carriers, including LATAM, had temporarily suspended flights to UIO. LATAM announced on Monday, October 14, that all domestic and international operations in Ecuador have resumed. Up-to-date flight information for UIO can be found on the airport's website here.
A state of emergency remains in place until Sunday, November 3. The overnight curfew in Quito was lifted on October 14; however, heightened security measures may be reintroduced if protests break out again. Discussions are ongoing between President Moreno’s administration and indigenous leaders to replace a decree that slashes fuel subsidies with one that directs resources to the more vulnerable groups. Further demonstrations are possible if talks fail over the near term.
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, resulting in a price hike of gasoline and diesel fuel. President Moreno moved his government from Quito to Guayaquil following violent protests that vandalized the assembly building in the capital on October 7. At least seven people were killed, 1340 injured, and 1152 others arrested during the protests.
Advice
Individuals in Quito and across Ecuador are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations, confirm flight reservations, anticipate a heightened security presence and associated disruptions to transportation and business, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.
