Thousands of indigenous people marched on Friday through the main streets of Latacunga, an Andean city in central Ecuador, to protest against the prolonged blackouts of up to 14 hours, insecurity, criminal violence and the economic crisis, which they attribute to the government of President Daniel Noboa.
The mobilization, called by the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities (CONAIE), the largest indigenous organization in the country, took place hours before the call by trade union groups for another demonstration in Quito. Latacunga, located 80 kilometers south of the capital, is part of the Cotopaxi province, which is home to a significant indigenous population.
Extended blackouts
In Ecuador, power outages of up to 12 hours a day are in effect across the country — although in recent weeks power cuts have been as long as 14 hours a day — because the main hydroelectric plants cannot generate power due to the lack of water in the rivers that feed them. Authorities have said that the drought, which has lasted more than 100 days, is the worst the country has faced in six decades.
The country's largest hydroelectric complex, Paute, which supplies 38% of national demand, has had to shut down several times in recent weeks due to a lack of water in the reservoir. To overcome part of the problem, Ecuador hopes that Colombia will sell some 300 megawatts, which is equivalent to 30% of the deficit that the country must cover. If the sale goes through, the hours of blackouts could be reduced.
Among the protesters was also the president of CONIAE, Leonidas Iza. During the demonstration, slogans such as “Noboa, listen, the people are in the fight”, “more blackouts, more poverty, people have nothing on the table” could be heard. The signs carried by those attending the protest read “blackouts equal poverty” and “long live the popular struggle”, among others. No incidents were reported during the protest.
Iza is also a candidate for the presidency of Ecuador in the general elections scheduled for February of next year, in which he will face President Noboa, who is seeking reelection; Luisa González, from the party of former President Rafael Correa (2007-2017), considered favorites, and another 12 candidates who, according to the first polls, register minimal voting intention, AP reported.
