By: Vero Chulde
The Ecuadorian government of Daniel Noboa has intensified repression and declared open war on protesters in the streets. They are protesting Decree 126, which eliminates diesel subsidies.
Amid the strike, the government is sending convoys of “humanitarian aid.” On September 28, the passage of a “humanitarian” convoy through Imbabura, the epicenter of the national strike, provoked outrage among indigenous communities, who resisted the invasion of their territories and homes. During the military siege and indigenous resistance, Efráin Fuérez, the 46-year-old community leader of Cotacachi, was shot three times in the back and killed. A military vehicle then approached Fuérez’s body and hitit, as well as the comrade who was trying to help him.
Under the pretext of “humanitarian aid convoys,” the armed forces and police have acted with brutality, turning popular mobilizations into scenes of state violence. Numerous videos and testimonies denounce the use of lethal ammunition, as well as the arbitrary detention and disappearance of protesters.
According to protesters, in addition to carrying weapons, the “humanitarian” convoys transport merchandise from large commercial chains such as Tuti, TIA, and Supermaxi. They also denounce the transport of large quantities of dynamite, as evidenced by the explosion of a trailer cab.
What began as an uprising against neoliberal policies and presidential authoritarianism has turned into massacres and popular resistance.
The military invaded Otavalo and killed protesters
Early Tuesday morning, October 14, a new “humanitarian” convoy, announced by Interior Minister Jhon Reimberg, invaded Otavalo, an indigenous city and historic symbol of popular resistance, as well as the center of mobilizations called by CONAIE.
Not only did the military fire tear gas at unarmed protesters, they also used lethal weapons. Edison Muenala, a reporter for the Kicwas Audiovisual Producers Association (APAK), was hit by a bullet, proving this.
Military units occupied internal streets with tanks, firing tear gas on the ground and from the air with helicopters. Direct attacks on the body, beatings, and arbitrary detentions have occurred on the front line and even at the doors of medical centers and San Luis Hospital in Otavalo.
So far, dozens of injuries have been reported, as well as at least two deaths, which are yet to be confirmed, and dozens of detentions and disappearances. Communities denounce the government’s intention to break the backbone of the indigenous movement by intimidating the population as a whole. “They are not repressing criminals; they are killing people,” a community leader denounced.
In other regions, the population is rising up against the repression
Following the intimidation and repression, a new wave of mobilizations has emerged in several provinces. In Cotopaxi, Imbabura, Chimborazo, and Pichincha, workers, peasants, and students took to the streets in solidarity with Otavalo and in opposition to the state of emergency. Barricades were erected, roads were blocked, and popular assemblies were convened to organize resistance. “If you touch one, you touch them all,” the communities say. As the atrocities committed by the military are made public, the revolt is growing.
While the army suppresses the protests, drug traffickers detonate a car bomb in Guayaquil
As the government focuses its fury on the protesters, drug trafficking continues with impunity. A car bomb exploded near a police station in Guayaquil, highlighting the failure of Noboa’s strategy of militarization and “internal war.” Rather than confronting the mafias, the state turns its weapons against the people.
The contradiction is clear: Repression serves the interests of the oligarchy and imperialism, not the security of the population.
Show urgent solidarity with the protests in Ecuador!
In the face of escalating repression, greater international solidarity is needed. Grassroots organizations, trade unions, student groups, and human rights movements must demand an immediate end to the repression, the withdrawal of the military from the streets, the release of political prisoners, and an investigation into the killings. The Ecuadorian people are fighting not only an authoritarian government but also a system that distributes natural resources, destroys rights, and governs for the wealthy.
The resistance in Ecuador is part of a continental struggle against exploitation and authoritarianism. In this sense, we must all raise our voices to demand an end to the repression, justice for the victims, and solidarity with those who are grieving.
