A crowd of protesters against rising fuel prices took to the streets of Ecuador’s capital, Quito, on Sunday, burning tires, blocking roads, and confronting police officers who responded with volleys of tear gas.
This was the latest confrontation in a series of nationwide demonstrations testing the strength of President Daniel Noboa.
On Sunday, protesters blew whistles and chanted “Leave, leave Noboa” as they marched from southern Quito toward a park in the north. Before reaching the square, police officers on motorcycles dispersed the crowd and fired tear gas. No injuries have been reported so far.
The largest indigenous organization in Ecuador called for these strikes 21 days ago in response to the removal of fuel subsidies, which raised the price of diesel from $1.80 to $2.80 per gallon.
The protests have often turned violent, with one civilian reported killed so far, dozens injured, and more than 100 arrested in clashes with police.
Noboa declared a state of emergency in 10 provinces, restricting public gatherings in Quito and other areas. Last week, protesters escalated tensions by throwing stones at Noboa’s motorcade.
Since the protests have largely focused on the northern provinces, Sunday’s march in Quito put authorities on high alert. Thousands of police equipped with riot gear have been deployed in the capital in recent days.
The latest demonstration coincided with the Day of Cultural and National Diversity, a day Ecuador replaced “Columbus Day” with to recognize its indigenous peoples instead of the Italian explorer’s arrival in the Americas in 1492.
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