The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) condemned the freezing of bank accounts held by its leaders and organizations amid the national strike against Decree 126, which scrapped the diesel subsidy and increased its price by 56%.

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According to the official statement, banks justified the measure as a response to “state orders,” which CONAIE interprets as an act of intimidation and criminalization of social protest.

In a declaration issued after an extraordinary assembly in Riobamba, Chimborazo province, the organization announced an immediate and indefinite national strike. The mobilization responds to the economic impact of the diesel price increase, which rose from $1.80 to $2.80 per gallon (3.78 liters), driving up the cost of transportation, production, and food.

“The economic blockade of Indigenous leaders is not an isolated act but part of a strategy to criminalize social protest,” CONAIE stated, rejecting any attempt at intimidation.

The organization also denounced acts of repression, persecution, and criminalization, requesting oversight from international bodies such as the UN and the IACHR.

Among the resolutions of the assembly, Indigenous peoples rejected the expansion of oil and mining projects in their territories, demanding the revocation of environmental licenses in areas such as Quimsacocha and Palo Quemado. They also declared a “community state of emergency” to prohibit the entry of security forces into their lands and to activate community guards.

The diesel hike set off protests in multiple provinces, including roadblocks in Carchi and routes leading to Quito, while a massive anti-mining rally in Cuenca highlighted mounting public discontent.

President Daniel Noboa, in office since 2023, responded by declaring a state of emergency in seven provinces, banning public gatherings, though mobilizations continue.

CONAIE emphasized: “The struggle of the peoples continues in unity.” The organization appealed to the international community to closely monitor the protests for potential human rights violations.

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