by Lena Souza
The national strike shaking Ecuador has reached a decisive moment. The violence of Daniel Noboa’s government reached a new level with the murder of indigenous leader Efraín Fueres in Imbabura, the result of military repression. Far from stopping the protests, this crime has multiplied the outrage throughout the country and consolidated popular resistance.
Noboa unleashes the full force of repression: bombs, weapons, and militarization of regions
The executive branch has deployed the National Police and the Armed Forces against the protests, using tear gas, stun grenades, and even firearms against entire communities. Reports circulating from different provinces denounce raids, arbitrary detentions, harassment, and attacks on community centers where protesters take shelter.
State violence seeks to crush a people who are protesting against the high cost of living, the elimination of subsidies, and the lack of attention to health, education, and security. However, what we are seeing is that each new act of repression generates more resistance on the roads, in communities, and in cities.
Imbabura in mourning: the army assassinates indigenous leader Efraín Fueres
In the province of Imbabura, during a military operation against protesters, army bullets killed Efraín Fueres, a well-known community leader. His murder has exposed the brutal state repression of the entire population and has become a driving force for greater unity among indigenous nationalities and popular sectors.
The protests in the streets echo with the cry: “Imbabura resist, Ecuador rises!”, accompanied by directly pointing at the military, whom the people call “Murderers!”, and the demand “Noboa out!”, which is gaining strength as the central slogan of the resistance.
Criminalization and persecution: protesters accused of terrorism are transferred to high-security prisons.
Repression also takes the form of openly criminalizing protest. The government declared twelve protesters detained in the province of Imbabura as “terrorists.” They have been transferred to prisons in other provinces, the same ones where bloody massacres between drug cartels have been taking place, putting their lives in grave danger.
This action reveals not only the intention to terrorize the mobilized population, but also the government’s strategy of using the prison system—marked by overcrowding, violence, and mob control—as a mechanism of punishment and extermination against social activists.
National and international condemnation of government repression
Various human rights organizations, both national and international, have issued statements condemning the Ecuadorian government’s repression. The World Organization Against Torture expressed concern about the excessive use of force and demanded guarantees for the right to protest. Organizations such as the Alliance for Human Rights in Ecuador point out in one of their reports that the most violated rights are the right to protest, personal integrity, freedom of expression, and personal freedom, among others. Amnesty International has warned that the murder of Efraín Fueres and the criminalization of protesters constitute serious human rights violations.
These voices reinforce what the people are already shouting in the streets: that repression is not an “excess” but a state policy promoted by Noboa, whose government is sustained by violence and disregard for life.
Noboa closes the door to dialogue and intensifies repression: power cuts, internet blackouts, and a de facto state of siege.
Noboa declared that he will not engage in dialogue with CONAIE or with the mobilized organizations. Strengthened by the military apparatus, the government resorts to internal warfare tactics: power and internet cuts in mobilized areas, militarization of indigenous territories, and attacks on community radio stations that report on what is happening.
Such measures of control and silencing seek to isolate the indigenous and popular movement, preventing communities from communicating with each other and with the rest of the country. This is an authoritarian policy that confirms the repressive course of the current regime.
The mobilized people also denounce that the VAT (Value Added Tax) increase from 12% to 15%, imposed by the Noboa government under the pretext of “solving the economic crisis,” has in fact been used to strengthen the military and repressive apparatus. While millions of Ecuadorians face a brutal increase in the cost of living, these resources are being used to buy weapons, riot gear, and finance repression against the very citizens who reject neoliberal measures.
Community media report the truth, while the mainstream press covers up and supports the government
In this scenario, community media play a fundamental role: they are the ones who truthfully report on what is happening on the roads, in communities, and in provinces in resistance. In the face of government attempts to silence the movement, popular radio stations and platforms keep the story of the real events alive, giving voice to the victims of repression.
In contrast, the mainstream media—aligned with the interests of the government and economic groups—downplays the repression, justifies state violence, and criminalizes the protesters. While the corporate press talks about “unrest” and “terrorism,” it is the community media that show images of the mobilized people and denounce the murder of Efraín Fueres for what it really is: a crime of the state.
The strike spreads: CONAIE announces expansion of blockades and resistance on the ninth day of struggle.
Far from weakening, the national strike enters its ninth day with greater force. CONAIE has announced the expansion of actions to new provinces, intensifying roadblocks, demonstrations in cities, and community self-defense.
Students, farmers, and neighborhood groups have joined the protests, forming a broad popular bloc demanding the repeal of neoliberal measures, justice for those who have fallen, freedom for political prisoners, and a dignified life for the Ecuadorian people.
International solidarity is urgent and crucial
The situation in Ecuador demands an immediate response from the people and organizations of the world. Every complaint, every statement, every act of international solidarity helps to curb state violence and raise awareness of the Ecuadorian people’s struggle.
The murder of Efraín Fueres, the criminalization of the twelve protesters in Imbabura, and the popular cry of “Out with Noboa” cannot be silenced. The international community must denounce this repressive plan that seeks to impose fear and silence. The struggle in Ecuador is also a continental struggle against neoliberalism, militarization, and the surrender of sovereignty.
