Ecuador's Indigenous Peoples and Nationalities Hold Congress

On Friday, 14 Indigenous peoples and 18 Indigenous nationalities meet in Tunguragua province for the 7th congress of the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE).

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Besides including the election of new authorities, the CONAIE congress’ agenda encompasses debates on organizational processes, Indigenous justice, intercultural health and education, and community transportation.

Over 2,000 people would attend the event that is scheduled until Sunday. The authorities of the Salasaka people and community health leaders will watch over the COVID-19 prevention measures.

This Congress will take place amid tensions prompted by the arrest of the Kichwa leader Antonio Vargas, an event that the Indigenous leaders consider an act of political persecution.

This Congress also takes place at a time when the population is beginning to express its dissatisfaction with the increases in fuel prices ordered by President Guillermo Lasso.

Currently, two out of the five candidates aspiring to the Confederation presidency are women. However, the Cotopaxi's Indigenous Peoples and Farmers Movement (MICC) member Leonidas Iza is most likely to be appointed as the new CONAIE leader.

He and Vargas were leading the 2019 massive protests against the policies applied by the Lenin Moreno Administration (2017-2021) to satisfy the International Monetary Fund (IMF).