Ecuador: Major union organization calls for nationwide protests Jan. 28

Event

Members of the Unitary Front of Workers (Frente Unitario de Trabajadores, FUT), a major union organization in Ecuador, plan to hold nationwide protests Jan. 28. The action is in defense of the Ecuadorian Institute of Social Security (IESS) to demand the government pay its debts owed to the IESS and, more broadly, to denounce the economic policies of President Lenin Moreno and the IMF. The largest protest will probably occur in Quito, where demonstrators will gather at the IESS offices on Avenida 10 de Agosto, and from 1600 march to the Historic Center. Thousands of people will likely participate in the demonstrations.

Elsewhere, large protests are likely in major cities like Guayaquil, Cuenca, and Manta; potential gathering points are government buildings and central squares. The University Student Federation of Ecuador (Federacion de Estudiantes Universitarios del Ecuador, FEUE) plans to support the action by protesting at universities nationwide from 1600. Additional protests by various different organizations and unions over the government's economic policies are possible in the run-up to the Feb. 7 general elections.

Police will almost certainly deploy to monitor all large protests. Significant violence is not likely; however, isolated skirmishes are possible if police attempt to clear those block major thoroughfares. Localized traffic disruptions are likely near all large gatherings and public universities where demonstrations are held.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a precaution. Do not attempt to cross any roadblocks. If violence breaks out, leave the area immediately and seek shelter in the nearest secure location. Allow extra time to reach destinations near known and potential protest locations Jan. 28.