Ecuador's Indigenous Groups Demand Moreno Answer for 2019 Protest 'Repression'

Six years after the widespread protests of October 2019, Ecuador's indigenous communities, represented by the powerful Confederation of Nationalities Indigenous of Ecuador (CONAIE), are demanding justice and accountability. With the recent return of former President Lenín Moreno to Ecuador, CONAIE sees an opportunity to push for the reactivation of investigations into what they describe as 'grave human rights violations' that occurred during the unrest. Their call is clear: Moreno must face the legal processes related to the repression that led to fatalities, injuries, and detentions.

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Han transcurrido más de seis años sin que la Fiscalía impulse diligencias efectivas ni esclarezca las responsabilidades políticas y estatales por la represión que dejó personas fallecidas, heridas, detenidas y perseguidas

CONAIE, the most significant social organization in Ecuador, has voiced its strong stance in a statement following Moreno's arrival. They argue that the passage of time should not equate to impunity. The organization emphasizes that Moreno's presence in the country should facilitate his participation in ongoing investigations and legal proceedings. The protests, initially sparked by the elimination of fuel subsidies, saw significant participation from indigenous groups and resulted in a period of intense social upheaval, with CONAIE at the forefront of the demonstrations.

The events of October 2019 left a deep scar on Ecuador, with official reports indicating several deaths and over 1,500 injuries. The government eventually rescinded the subsidy cuts amidst the turmoil. More recently, the Constitutional Court acknowledged that illegal and arbitrary detentions occurred during the protests, specifically highlighting the unlawful detention of six minors, two of whom were from indigenous communities. This judicial recognition lends weight to CONAIE's ongoing fight for justice and non-repetition of such abuses.

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la presencia de Moreno en el país "debe permitir que responda dentro de las distintas diligencias investigativas y procesos abiertos en Fiscalía sobre los hechos de octubre de 2019".

From our perspective at EFE, this demand from CONAIE underscores the lingering impact of the 2019 protests and the ongoing struggle for justice in Ecuador. While Moreno faces separate charges in the Sinohydro case, CONAIE's focus is squarely on his alleged responsibility for the state's response during the protests. This situation highlights a critical issue in many Latin American countries: the challenge of achieving transitional justice and holding political leaders accountable for actions taken during periods of social unrest. The indigenous community's persistent advocacy demonstrates their unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and reparations, ensuring that the events of 2019 are not forgotten.

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