Ecuador’s government and the country’s main indigenous group have reached an agreement to end 18 days of often-violent attacks that nearly paralyzed the country and left at least four people dead.
The deal, which includes a reduction in the price of fuel and other concessions, was signed by government minister Francisco Jiménez, indigenous leader Leonidas Iza, and the head of the Episcopal Conference, Monsignor Luis Cabrera, who acted as mediators.
Thursday’s agreement suggests gasoline prices will drop by 15c to US$2.40 per gallon, and diesel prices will also drop by the same amount from $1.90 per gallon to $1.75.
The deal also limits the expansion of oil exploration areas and prohibits mining activity in protected areas, national parks and water bodies.
The government now has 90 days to address the demands of the indigenous groups.
“Social peace will soon be achieved only through dialogue with a special focus on marginalized communities, but always respecting the rights of all,” Cabrera said.
He warned that “if the state policies do not address the problem of the poor, people will rise”.
“We know we have a country with a lot of divisions, too many problems, unresolved injustices, with significant segments of the population that are still marginalized,” Jimenez said.
The two sides began talks on Monday and a settlement appeared to be within reach until a military officer was killed and 12 others were injured in an attack allegedly by indigenous people against a fuel convoy. Due to which the government abandoned the talks.
Officials directly blamed the 18-day strike for the four deaths.
The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities launched an indefinite national strike on 13 June, demanding a reduction in the price of fuel and an increase in the health and education budget, as well as price controls on some items, among other demands.
Amid rising food and fuel shortages and millions of losses to farmers and business leaders, the two sides agreed to resume talks.
The protests are characterized by tight road blockades that prevent the transport of food, fuel and even ambulances. As a result, there has been a sharp increase in the price of food that managed to reach cities, especially in the Andean north, which has been one of the areas most affected by the strike.