In a statement, the University Council expressed its willingness to “provide institutional spaces for the development of negotiation table that will allow us to overcome this crisis” and contribute “scientific, technical, and humanistic mechanisms” to seek a peaceful solution.

The UCE also proposed designing social compensation policies that protect the most vulnerable sectors and promoting technical roundtables to discuss energy transition alternatives with the participation of academia and research centers.

Meanwhile, Noboa visited the southwestern province of El Oro to deliver bonuses from the Incentivo Emprende program and briefly addressed the protests, which have been going on for 26 days.

“They want us to focus on the conflict and not on being here with you,” said the president, who insisted that his administration will continue working “on the most affected sectors and not on the opposition’s agenda.”

Interior Minister John Reimberg’s announcement that the national strike had ended in Imbabura sparked opposition from several indigenous groups, who denied having put an end to the protests.

abo/jav/otf/avr