Indigenous people and Ecuadorian government end protests with deal

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A deal has been reached between the Ecuadorian government and the leaders of the indigenous protests to put an end to the massive protests that have been paralyzing sections of the South American country since mid-June.

The demonstrations, which were led by the indigenous organization CONAIE, started on June 13 in response to rage over skyrocketing gasoline prices, soaring living expenses, and the socioeconomic policies of right-wing President Guillermo Lasso's government.

The agreement, which also includes price discounts for petrol, was signed on Thursday by Minister Francisco Jimenez, Indigenous leader Leonidas Iza, and Monsignor Luis Cabrera, chairman of the Episcopal Conference, who served as the mediator.

Subsequently, Iza announced that “we will suspend” the protest.

The agreement set out that petrol prices will decrease 15 cents to $2.40 per gallon and diesel prices will also decline the same amount, from $1.90 per gallon to $1.75. Additionally, it set limits for the expansion of oil exploration areas and prohibits mining activity in protected areas, water sources as well as national parks.

The deal also provided grounds for “the cessation of the mobilizations and the gradual return [of the demonstrators] to the territories” from where they traveled to participate in the demonstration.

“Social peace will only be able to be achieved, hopefully soon, through dialogue with particular attention paid to marginalized communities, but always respecting everyone’s rights,” Cabrera said.

Now that the demands of the Indigenous group have been made known, the government has 90 days to deliver solutions.

On Thursday afternoon, Lasso tweeted that, “we have achieved the supreme value to which we all aspire: peace in our country,” adding that “The strike is over. Now we begin together the task of transforming this peace into progress, wellbeing, and opportunities for all.”

Hemos alcanzado el valor supremo al que todos aspiramos: paz en nuestro país.

Terminó el paro.

Ahora empezamos juntos la tarea de transformar esta paz en progreso, bienestar, y oportunidades para todos.

— Guillermo Lasso (@LassoGuillermo) June 30, 2022

Earlier this week, Lasso survived an attempt by the opposition to oust him after he indicated, through his negotiations with an indigenous leader, that he will not put an end to the protests, which have been going on for weeks.

"We will not return to dialogue with Leonidas Iza, who only defends his political interests and not those of his base," Lasso said, referring to the indigenous leader. "To our indigenous brothers - you deserve more than an opportunist for a leader."

Lasso's enmity with the Ecuadorian national assembly only got worse during the protests - this prompted former leftist president Rafael Correa's loyalists to push a no-confidence vote to oust him from office. 

On Saturday, June 25, Ecuador's National Assembly launched a no-confidence vote against President Guillermo Lasso, nearly two weeks after he declared a state of emergency in response to sometimes violent countrywide protests where security forces used excessive violence against protesters, resulting in the death of a number of Indigenous members. 

Ecuador's economy is heavily reliant on oil earnings, with exports accounting for 65% of total output in the first four months of 2022.

On Sunday, June 26, Lasso announced that the government will reduce fuel prices, which have provoked weeks of protests, although not by as much as demonstrators had asked.