Ecuador: As of June 23, US advises travelers to reconsider travel to the country; nationwide protests likely to continue /update 7

Event

As of June 23, the US Department of State (DoS) has raised their advisory to "Level 3 - Reconsider Travel" to Ecuador due to social unrest and crime. Additionally, the DoS "Level 4 - Do Not Travel" advisory is still in effect for areas south of Portete de Tarqui Avenue in the city of Guayaquil and Carchi and Sucumbios provinces due to crime. The advice against travel also applies to northern Esmeraldas Province, including Esmeraldas city, mentioning high levels of violence due to the presence of drug-trafficking organizations. The full details of the travel advisory can be found here.

The DoS advisory update comes as nationwide demonstrations denouncing the policies of President Guillermo Lasso and the rising cost of living, among other issues, are likely to continue across Ecuador through at least late June. As of early June 23, attempts at mediation between protest groups and the government have not been successful. According to the Ministry of Health, 300 health units across Ecuador have been affected by the traffic disruptions caused by protests. Protesters have continued to defy government measures by blocking roads in provinces under the state of exception and gathering in Quito during curfew hours. Disruptions related to these protests and government-imposed measures are also likely to continue over at least the short term.

While demonstrations have materialized in areas throughout the country, Quito has become the epicenter of street protests, with thousands of demonstrators traveling to the capital since late June 19. Protests have caused disruptions in most parts of the city, including the Centro Historico and major thoroughfares, such as Avenida Simon Bolivar and Avenida Maldonado. There is a strong security presence in Quito and police have used tear gas to disperse protesters. To view information on road traffic disruptions in the capital, click here.

Additionally, dozens of flights have been delayed or canceled at Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport (UIO) in recent days due to protest activity. Further protest-related flight disruptions are likely at UIO over the short term.

Outside of the capital, protesters have continued to block key highways, especially the Pan American Highway and intercity thoroughfares, such as those connecting Cuenca and Loja, Giron and Pasaje, and Naranjito and Bucay. Large demonstrations have also been reported in the country's largest city, Guayaquil, where protesters have often marched along main roads, such as Avenida 9 de Octubre. Additionally, violent clashes involving protesters and police officers have been reported in multiple provinces. A demonstrator died during unrest near Puyo, Pastaza Province, June 21, a day after another protester died near Quito; the police deny being responsible for these casualties. According to the Ministry of Health, two people also died in ambulances that ended up stranded in traffic due to the protests in the country. As of June 23, more than 80 demonstrators have reportedly been arrested and dozens of protesters and police officers have been injured since the protest activity started June 13.

A state of exception remains in effect through July 17 in the provinces of Pichincha, Imbabura, Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, Tungurahua, and Pastaza. An overnight 22:00-05:00 curfew also remains in place in the Metropolitan District of Quito; however, those traveling to and from airports are exempt from the measure. The state of exception allows authorities to implement additional security measures to maintain public order and suspend some civil liberties, such as prohibiting certain gatherings.

Demonstrations are likely over the coming days at various government buildings, public squares, universities, and sites associated with the oil and mining industries. Protests along roads leading to UIO and intercity highways in central and southern Ecuador may cause significant transport disruptions. Related business disruptions are also likely. Authorities will almost certainly maintain increased security in protest-affected areas. Officials could expand current movement restrictions in response to developments.

Context

The series of nationwide demonstrations in Ecuador began June 13, led by a coalition of organizations, including the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (Confederacion de Nacionalidades Indigenas de Ecuador, CONAIE), farmers' groups, and labor unions. These groups launched the protest campaign to denounce President Lasso's policies as well as voice concerns over various issues, such as the cost of living, health policies, oil and mining activity, and the well-being of indigenous peoples. Activists called for an intensification of protest activity following the arrest of Leonidas Iza, president of CONAIE, June 14. While Iza was released June 15, protesters have reaffirmed their intent to continue nationwide anti-government protests until their demands are met.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a precaution. Do not attempt to drive through any roadblocks; wait for the police to dismantle them before proceeding. Heed all instructions from authorities. Plan accordingly for localized transport and business disruptions. Check local sources to see if roads are accessible before traveling. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Heed the curfew order. Persons in Quito who are traveling to or from the airport during the curfew should ensure that they travel with their passport and flight booking or boarding pass. In the case of clashes, seek shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building.