Ecuador: Nationwide protests likely to continue through early July /update 8

Event

Nationwide demonstrations 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, will continue across Ecuador through at least early July. The purpose of the protest campaign is to denounce the policies of President Guillermo Lasso and the rising cost of living, among other issues.

As of June 27, a dialogue between protest leaders and representatives of all branches of government has started in Quito, mediated by the Catholic Church. The negotiations began after President Lasso lifted the state of exception in six provinces of the country and fuel prices dropped. A nightly curfew in Quito was also lifted. Despite the talks, however, the National Assembly will vote June 28 on a proposal to remove Lasso from office and call for general elections in the subsequent weeks.

Protests and roadblocks have continued throughout the country. As of June 27, national authorities indicated that there were 89 roadblocks nationwide, mostly in the provinces of Azuay, Chimborazo, Imbabura, Pichincha, Tungurahua, and Morona Santiago. Some of the roads with the most significant disruptions are those connecting the cities of Santo Domingo with Esmeraldas, Cuenca with Molleturo, and Aloag with Santo Domingo, as well as roads around Machachi. Within Quito, there are also several roadblocks, including some affecting the Pan American Highway near Carapungo, Reino de Quito Street at San Antonio de Pichincha, and multiple areas in the city's historic center, where thousands of demonstrators have been gathering in recent days. Most access routes to Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport (UIO) have remained open. Still, dozens of flights have been postponed or canceled in Quito in recent days due to protest activity. Further flight disruptions are likely at UIO over the short term.

According to the Ministry of Health, 300 health units across Ecuador have been affected by protest-related transport disruptions. Authorities have also reported injuries to more than 175 members of the police and the military, while human rights organizations have said five people have been killed in the civil unrest. 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. There are reports of shortages of fuel in several provinces, especially in Carchi and Imbabura, and food shortages in Imbabura, Chimborazo, Azuay, Pichincha, Tungurahua, and Bolivar.

Besides major protests near government buildings in Quito, large demonstrations have also been reported in 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.

The US Department of State (DoS) has raised its advisory for Ecuador to "Level 3 - Reconsider Travel" 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, as well as 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.

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.

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. In the case of clashes, seek shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building.