The government of Ecuador and the leaders of indigenous groups reached an agreement on Thursday to end the strike that the latter have led to protest against the economic measures of President Guillermo Lasso.
The protests, which have been going on for more than two weeks, have blocked roads and affected trade in the country’s already weakened economy.
The demonstrations were led by the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (Conaie).
The main claims included the demand for a lower price of gasoline and diesel, the limitation of extractivist expansion and longer terms to cover debts with banks, among others.
Both parties signed an understanding thanks to the mediation of the Ecuadorian Episcopal Conference, which culminated in the cessation of the demonstrations.
“We have achieved the supreme value to which we all aspire: peace in our country,” Lasso wrote on his Twitter account.
Among the points agreed by both parties, the most complicated was the one related to the price of fuel.
The government agreed to a discount of 15 cents per gallon for subsidized fuels. The indigenous groups originally demanded a reduction of 40 cents.
The understanding also included the commitment of the Ecuadorian government to repeal a decree that promoted oil activity in the Amazon and stop mining concessions in protected natural areas, intangible zones, water recharge areas and ancestral territories of indigenous peoples.
Days before, the Lasso government had announced other economic relief, such as an increase in monthly subsidies for the poorest families and debt forgiveness.
The president also declared a state of emergency for the country’s public health system and promised to double the budget for intercultural education for indigenous communities.
Leonidas Iza, president of Conaie, admitted that the agreement document does not include all the demands, but stressed that it has “important achievements.” He also called for protesters not to be criminalized.
“Enough of continuing to stigmatize and racialize social fighters. Enough of calling us terrorists,” added Iza, who warned that they will call again for mobilizations if they do not see the agreement fulfilled in 90 days.
The protests in Ecuador began on Monday, June 13, and left at least 6 dead and around 500 injured among protesters and police officers.
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