Ecuador’s main Indigenous confederation, Conaie, has declared an end to the month-long national strike, but some communities in the northern province of Imbabura say they will continue demonstrations.
Conaie president Marlon Vargas said the organization decided to lift roadblocks after 31 days of unrest, citing government repression that left three people dead and dozens injured. He demanded the demilitarization of Indigenous territories, the release of detainees, and reparations for victims’ families.
However, the Union of Peasant and Indigenous Organizations of Cotacachi (Unorcac) rejected the decision and called for a “March for Dignity.”
“We remain in resistance. The roads will stay closed in honor of our brother Efraín Fuerez,” a local leader said.
Unorcac president Martha Tuquerres said Indigenous groups in Imbabura would issue a collective statement on their next actions.