The conflict between the government and the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (Conaie), makes a serious unpeaceful situation in the country. In the scenario, The bishops of Ecuador have called for dialogue in order to reach an agreement.
“On behalf of the Ecuadorian Bishops’ Conference, I wish to reaffirm our heartfelt call for the parties involved, setting aside any extreme position, to sit down to dialogue, listen to each other, reflect together, and make decisions that benefit the entire country and not just small groups,” said Archbishop Luis Gerardo Cabrera Herrera of Guayaquil, president of the Ecuadorian Bishops’ Conference, in a June 22 video message.
“At the same time, we want to commit our participation to what the parties also see fit. The only thing we really want is for the much-longed-for peace to become a reality between us, a peace always based on justice, freedom, and truth,” he added.
Beginning June 13, indigenous organizations have called for an indefinite national strike to demand the reduction of fuel prices and price caps for farm products. The marches have turned violent and protesters have clashed with the police and closed several roads.
Ecuador has recently faced high levels of inflation, unemployment, and poverty.
The initially peaceful protest resulted in a wave of violence and clashes between civilians and security forces that have so far left six dead, 74 injured, and 87 detained. In addition, the highway blockades have exacerbated the economic crisis in the country.
Meanwhile, the leader of Conaie, Leonidas Iza, opposes participating in the talks that Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso had already agreed to attend, pointing out that certain conditions must be met, such as lifting the state of emergency in force in six provinces of the country.