CONAIE Condemns Bank Account Freezing Amid National Strike in Ecuador
The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) has condemned the freezing of bank accounts belonging to its leaders and organizations as tensions mount during a national strike against Decree 126, which increased diesel prices by 56%, reports 24brussels.
In an official statement, banks cited “state orders” as the reason for the action, which CONAIE views as a tactic to intimidate and criminalize social protest. Following an extraordinary assembly held in Riobamba, Chimborazo province, the organization announced an immediate and indefinite national strike in response to the economic impact of the diesel price hike, which surged from $1.80 to $2.80 per gallon (3.78 liters), subsequently raising costs for transportation, production, and food.
CONAIE asserted, “The economic blockade of Indigenous leaders is not an isolated act but part of a strategy to criminalize social protest,” firmly rejecting any form of intimidation. The organization also reported instances of repression and persecution, calling for international oversight from bodies such as the UN and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR).
The assembly’s resolutions included a rejection of the expansion of oil and mining projects on Indigenous territories, demanding the withdrawal of environmental licenses in critical zones like Quimsacocha and Palo Quemado. In response to the escalating situation, they declared a “community state of emergency” to prevent security forces from entering their lands while activating community guards for protection.
The decision to increase diesel prices has triggered widespread protests across various provinces, with significant roadblocks reported in Carchi and routes leading to Quito. A massive anti-mining demonstration in Cuenca further illustrated the growing public discontent. President Daniel Noboa, who took office in 2023, declared a state of emergency across seven provinces and prohibited public gatherings, although protests have continued to occur.
CONAIE emphasized, “The struggle of the peoples continues in unity,” urging the international community to closely monitor the situation for potential human rights violations.