Ecuador: Nationwide protests likely to continue through early July /update 9

Event

Nationwide demonstrations led by the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (Confederacion de Nacionalidades Indigenas de Ecuador, CONAIE), farmers' groups, and labor unions are likely to 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.

Further protests are likely as President Lasso has broken off the dialogue between protest leaders and government representatives June 28. The decision came after the army announced that a soldier was killed and nine security personnel were injured in an attack in Shushufindi, Sucumbios Province. Additionally, a proposal to remove Lasso from office and call for a general election also failed in a vote in the National Assembly June 28. The negotiations had begun after authorities lifted the state of exception in six provinces, dropped fuel prices, and lifted a nightly curfew in Quito.

Protests and roadblocks have continued throughout the country. As of June 28, national authorities indicated that there were 83 roadblocks nationwide, mostly in the provinces of Azuay, Chimborazo, Imbabura, Pichincha, Sucumbios, Tungurahua, and Morona Santiago. Road closures have recently affected Quito, Guayaquil, Macas, Ambato, Riobamba, and Cuenca, among other cities. Within Quito, there are also several roadblocks, including some affecting the Pan American Highway near San Miguel del Camun, Ruta Viva to the Airport, and multiple areas in the city's historic center, where thousands of demonstrators have been gathering in recent days. Access routes to Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport (UIO) have been affected by rapidly shifting protests; route 28C through Tumbaco has recently been the most feasible route from Quito. Flight disruptions remain possible at UIO over the short term.

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. Since the protests began, hundreds of protesters and members of the security forces have been injured and at least eight deaths have been linked to the unrest.

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

According to the authorities, the protests have continued to cause disruptions to food and medical supplies due to significant transport disruptions. Security forces have arrested more than 150 protesters. 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. Protests have affected oil operations at more than 1100 pumps, and the government claims that oil production could completely stop soon. According to the Ministry of Health, at least two people also died in ambulances that ended up stranded in traffic due to the protests in the country.

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.