Ecuador: Military partially lifts curfew in Quito October 13 /update 12

Event

Military officials announced that a curfew imposed on Quito would be partially lifted until 20:00 (local time) on Sunday, October 13. The curfew will remain in effect, however, for parts of the capital's northern district. A heightened security presence has been reported in Quito on Sunday as indigenous leaders are scheduled to meet with government officials at 15:00 in an effort to resolve the ongoing crisis. 

Additional protests and consequent disruptions to business and transportation are to be expected in Quito and in other major urban centers in Ecuador over the coming days. Accompanying clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

Several civil society groups and unions began protesting and striking on October 3 in response to President Moreno's announcement on October 1 that the government would eliminate nearly USD 1.3 billion in fuel subsidies to reduce the country's fiscal deficit. Prices of gasoline and diesel fuel are expected to increase significantly as a result of the measure, which came into effect on October 3. The Ecuadorian government has declared a two-month state of emergency and deployed military and police forces to reopen roads and restore order in protest-affected areas. President Moreno moved his government from Quito to Guayaquil following violent protests that vandalized the assembly building in the capital on October 7.

Advice

Individuals in Quito and across Ecuador are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations, anticipate a heightened security presence and associated disruptions to transportation and business, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.