Ecuador citizens on Friday, June 24 continued to protest over the increased cost of food and fuel, which makes it the 12th day.
Conflicts between demonstrators and security personnel have reportedly resulted in four deaths, several arrests, and several injuries, according to The Cable.
Members of the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador are leading the demonstrations, which coincide with a recent reduction in gasoline subsidies that has raised fuel costs.
Among the protesters’ demands is that diesel and petrol be sold at $1.50 and $2.10 per gallon, respectively, but Guillermo Lasso, president of Ecuador as part of measures to address the demands has said the prices of diesel and petrol would be limited to $1.90 and $2.55, respectively.
The development comes after violent protests in 2019 following the removal of fuel subsidies which went on for more than 10 days.
Following the 2019 protests, the decision to cancel fuel subsidies was reversed.
Residents of the Ecuadorian capital of Quito were seen protesting on Friday. Some called for the resignation of the president, while others demanded favorable economic policies to improve the situation of the populace in light of the difficulties associated with the COVID pandemic recovery.
Lasso passed new rules on Monday to help citizens deal with the rise in living expenses.
In an effort to address the rising prices, he met on Wednesday with members of the food producing industry.
The president has met with members of civil society organizations to discuss the problems arising from the protests while also promoting discussion.
In his latest comment on the development after a meeting with security operatives on Friday, Lasso who clocked one year in office in May 2022 said his government remains committed to promoting peace and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for the people.
According to a post translated on his Facebook page, “#EcuadorWantsPeace and I know that with the work done by the public force, we will guarantee it. I appreciate their bravery and drive with which they defend every man, woman and child of Ecuador. My full support to the work you do to return peace to the country,” he wrote.
“From day one of my Government, we have worked to ensure that everyone has equal opportunities; today more than ever, we will not let chaos want to control us.
“We will act putting the safety of Ecuadorians in strict law enforcement.”
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