15 May 2020 | 12:57 PM UTC
Ecuador: Protest reported in Quito and Guayaquil May 14
Residents in Quito and Guayaquil gather in protest on May 14 despite COVID-19 restrictions; avoid all protests
Event
Residents of Quito gathered in protest on Thursday, May 14, to express discontent over economic measures implemented in response to the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Participants gathered at Palacio de Carondelet and also called for the resignation of the sitting Minister of the Economy and Finance. The ministry made budgetary cuts to education and also failed to comply with a National Assembly request to allocate funds to the health emergency.
That same day, another protest was reported in Guayaquil, the city most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, to denounce the lack of organization for disposal of bodies, funds for public health, and the number of deceased due to the pandemic.
Further related protests remain possible in the coming several days. A heightened security presence and associated transportation disruptions are to be expected in their vicinity.
Advice
Individuals in Ecuador, and in Quito and Guayaquil more specifically, are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate a heightened security presence, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.
