Ecuador: Officials declare state of emergency in four provinces June 29; protests likely to continue through at least early July /update 10

Event

President Guillermo Lasso has declared a new 30-day state of emergency in the provinces of Azuay, Imbabura, Sucumbios, and Orellana June 29 due to unrest. Curfews will be implemented in three of the provinces as follows:

• Azuay Province: 21:00-05:00

• Sucumbios and Orellana provinces: 19:00-05:00.

There are a number of exceptions that allow individuals to travel during curfew hours. These include individuals with scheduled flights traveling to and from airports, as well as those working in the health, security, or transportation sectors. The government stated that the measure has been implemented to seek to improve security and guarantee the delivery of essential supplies, such as food, medicine, and fuel. The state of emergency limits the right to freedom of assembly and authorities are likely to increase security along main routes and around key infrastructure, such as hydrocarbon fields in Sucumbios and Orellana.

Despite the state of emergency, 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 through at least early July. The purpose of the protest campaign is to denounce the policies of Lasso and the rising cost of living, among other issues. As of June 30, the government and the indigenous movement plan to resume talks with the mediation of the Ecuadorian Episcopal Conference (Conferencia Episcopal Ecuatoriana). The announcement comes after Lasso broke off the dialogue between protest leaders and government representatives June 28, following an attack in Sucumbios Province, where a soldier was killed and nine security personnel were injured.

Protests and roadblocks have continued throughout the country. In recent days, most roadblocks occurred Azuay, Chimborazo, Imbabura, Pichincha, Sucumbios, Tungurahua, and Morona Santiago provinces. Road closures have been affecting Quito, Guayaquil, Macas, Ambato, Riobamba, and Cuenca, among other cities. Within Quito, roadblocks have mostly been reported along the Pan American Highway near San Miguel del Camun, Ruta Viva, 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, 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 occurred due 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 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.