QUITO, Ecuador — The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) announced on Wednesday the cessation of nationwide protests that had paralyzed parts of the country for over a month. The decision came after President Daniel Noboa threatened to deploy the military to dismantle road blockades that had severely disrupted transportation and economic activities. The protests were initially sparked by the government’s decision to eliminate a diesel subsidy, which caused fuel prices to surge from $1.80 to $2.80 per gallon. Diesel is crucial for agricultural machinery, trucking, and public transportation, particularly affecting Ecuador’s most vulnerable populations. Marlon Vargas, CONAIE’s president, described the decision to end the demonstrations as “difficult” but necessary to safeguard the lives of Indigenous communities. In a social media statement, Vargas criticized the government for lacking dialogue and sensitivity in implementing policies that disproportionately impact the poor. Meanwhile, General Henry Delgado of the Joint Chiefs of Staff emphasized the military’s readiness to clear blockades in Imbabura province, the epicenter of the disruptions. Delgado condemned the protests, stating that a minority should not impose its will on the nation’s 18 million citizens. Despite the end of the strike, Vargas vowed that Indigenous groups would continue to resist policies they deem unjust.
Ecuador’s Indigenous alliance ends highway-blocking protests after military threat
