This territory in the north-central part of the country has been the scene of major clashes between protesters and law enforcement in the context of the national strike, which entered its third day this Wednesday.

“We denounce that Otavalo is experiencing an unprecedented military occupation with the arrival of Noboa, surrounded by tanks, trucks, and troops who have turned the city into an open barracks,” Conaie stated on its X account.

According to the organization, the president’s presence in the midst of the national strike “seeks to instill fear and distribute welfare benefits to break resistance, instead of addressing the root causes of the crisis.” Hence, the rejection of such political maneuvers that attempt to divide us, Otavalo asserted. In particular, the indigenous movement refers to Decree 126, with which the president ended the diesel subsidy, as well as to the high cost of living, the lack of healthcare, education, and security.

Since last Monday, Ecuador has been immersed in anti-government protests, with blocked roads and marches that have been violently repressed by security forces.

For CONAIE—the organization that called the strike—”accusing organized people of being part of criminal gangs only demonstrates weakness and fear in the face of the power of legitimate resistance.”

jdt/ro/avr