Indigenous-Led National Strike
In October 2019, Ecuador exploded in 11 days of massive protests after President Lenín Moreno eliminated fuel subsidies as part of IMF loan conditions. Led by indigenous confederations CONAIE and transport unions, the uprising forced Moreno to flee Quito, negotiate directly with protest leaders, and ultimately rescind the austerity measure—demonstrating indigenous movements’ enduring political power in Andean nations.
Decree 883 and IMF Austerity
On October 1, 2019, Moreno issued Decree 883 eliminating four-decade-old fuel subsidies, immediately raising gasoline prices 123% and diesel 30%. The measure was mandated by a $4.2 billion IMF loan agreement requiring fiscal reforms.
For Ecuador’s poor and working class—especially transport workers and rural farmers dependent on affordable fuel—the decree meant economic catastrophe. Taxi and bus drivers launched strikes, and CONAIE (Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador) called for a national mobilization.
Within days, tens of thousands of indigenous protesters from highland and Amazon communities marched on Quito, often walking days to reach the capital. They occupied Congress, government buildings, and oil facilities, halting petroleum production—Ecuador’s primary export revenue.
Violence and Quito Occupation
Moreno declared a state of emergency, deploying military and police with tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition. At least 11 protesters died and over 1,300 were injured—many from police violence. Authorities arrested hundreds, including CONAIE leader Jaime Vargas.
The government fled Quito to Guayaquil, effectively ceding the capital to protesters. Indigenous communities established encampments in parks, universities provided sanctuary, and Quito residents supplied food and medical aid. Images of gas-masked elders, wounded youth, and indigenous women confronting riot police circulated globally.
Victory and Lessons
On October 13, after 11 days of sustained resistance and mounting casualties, Moreno agreed to direct negotiations with CONAIE mediated by the UN and Catholic Church. He rescinded Decree 883, restoring fuel subsidies. Protesters celebrated a rare victory against IMF-mandated austerity.
The uprising demonstrated indigenous movements’ capacity to challenge national governments and forced recognition of CONAIE as a legitimate political actor. It also revealed deep class and ethnic divides—with coastal mestizo elites largely supporting Moreno while highland indigenous and urban poor opposed austerity.
Ecuador’s economic challenges persisted, but the 2019 protests reaffirmed that neoliberal reforms imposed without public consent risked mass resistance. In 2022, President Guillermo Lasso faced similar indigenous-led protests over fuel prices and economic inequality, again forcing concessions.
Sources:
The Guardian, Al Jazeera, BBC Mundo, Reuters, Amazon Watch, NACLA