Despite calls for talks from the Catholic Church, academia, and international organizations, the indigenous movement and the Executive do not seem to be close to an agreement to end the demonstrations.

Since September 22, following the end of the subsidy, protests have spread to several provinces across the country, although they have been most concentrated in the northern highlands, where roadblocks, marches, and clashes with security forces have occurred.

They are also demanding attention to sectors such as health and education, as well as a reduction in the Value Added Tax (VAT), which was raised from 12 percent to 15 percent to combat the ongoing violence in the country, although insecurity has not been significantly reduced.

The Interior Ministry informed that the national strike has resulted in 118 arrests to date, and one death, Kichwa community member Efrain Fuerez, due to the actions with police forces.

Among those arrested are 12 people accused of terrorism.

On October 7, five people were arrested for allegedly being responsible for an attack on the presidential caravan in the province of Canar, although they were later released due to a lack of evidence.

The Government has reiterated that it will not reverse the measure that raised the diesel price and affirmed that such decisions are necessary to stabilize the accounts and direct resources to vulnerable sectors.

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