Government and indigenous groups reach agreement to end strike and clear highways in Imbabura

Following five hours of talks Wednesday with the government, Imbabura Province indigenous organizations agreed to suspend their 24-day strike. Leaders of the Union of Indigenous Peasant Organizations of Cotacachi (UNORCAC) and the Federation of Kichwa Peoples of the Northern Sierra of Ecuador (FICI) announced the agreement at a press conference with Interior Minister John Reimberg.

Imbabura indigenous leader Martha Tuqueres announces the end of the 24-day strike following a Wednesday meeting with Interior Minister John Reimber (right).

The two sides said that effective immediately, all roadblocks in Imbabura would be dismantled to allow food, LP gas, medicine and other essential goods to be restocked.

Although Reimberg insisted the elimination of the diesel fuel subsidy was non-negotiable, he said “other measures” to reduce the impact on the indigenous community are open for discussion. “Most important, we agreed to continue talking with the objective of reaching agreements that benefit as many people as possible,” he said.

The meeting, organized by the Catholic Church and Otavalo Mayor Anabel Hermosa, followed a day of violent clashes between protesters and police after a large government convoy carrying supplies entered Otavalo. The convoy had arrived in Ibarra on Tuesday, encountering limited resistance. Indigenous leaders claim two protesters died in the violence although the government says it is awaiting confirmation. Both sides report that about 50 people were injured, including 14 police and military personnel.

UNORCAC President Martha Tuqueres expressed relief that the “violence is over for all of us” and said the coming talks will be crucial. “Today was not the conclusion to anything but rather the beginning of a process we hope will end successfully for both parties,” she said. “Now is the time to put hostilities aside and to begin negotiating.”

It is unclear if Wednesday’s agreement ends the strike nationally, although Reimberg said he believes it does. The National Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities (Conaie) is expected to issue a statement Thursday.

At the press conference, UNORCAC and FICI listed five points that would be discussed in talks with the government.

• That if the diesel subsidy is not restored, that the price be frozen at the current rate.
• That the people arrested in Imbabura be released.
• That the death of Efraín Fuérez and José Guamán be clarified
• That indigenous leaders not be prosecuted.
• That there be local technical tables to solve problems regarding health, roads and education.