Ecuador Armed Forces Kill Fuel Price Protester, Indigenous Group Says

A protester was killed by Ecuadorian armed forces during demonstrations against a fuel price increase, according to the country’s largest Indigenous organisation, Conaie, on Sunday.

Efrain Fuerez, described by Conaie as a father of two and pillar of his family, was reportedly shot three times and died later in hospital in Cotacachi, approximately 100 kilometres (60 miles) north of Quito.

Ecuador’s police and armed forces have not issued any comment regarding the allegation.

Earlier this month, President Daniel Noboa announced a cut in the fuel subsidy, claiming it would save the state $1.1 billion.

• The subsidy cut caused diesel prices to rise from $1.80 to $2.80 per gallon (48 cents to 74 cents per litre).
• Nearly a third of Ecuador’s population lives in poverty, making the increase particularly burdensome.

Conaie responded by stating: “We hold Daniel Noboa responsible. We demand an immediate investigation and justice for Efrain and his community.”

Social media images shared by Conaie depict:

• Two men on the ground, one injured and the other assisting him.
• Seconds later, a group of soldiers exit a tank and kick them.

The human rights organisation INREDH reported Fuerez’s death first and condemned the “lethal and illegitimate use of force”.

• Another protester was reportedly in critical condition.
• Ecuador’s prosecutors’ office announced it would open an investigation into the “alleged death”.

President Noboa has taken steps to quell the unrest:

• On 16 September, he declared a state of emergency in 8 of 24 provinces.
• He imposed a nighttime curfew in five provinces.
• Noboa claimed that the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua was behind the demonstrations.
• He warned protesters that those breaking the law could face charges of terrorism, with sentences of up to 30 years.

Conaie, which called for an indefinite national strike, has a history of leading violent demonstrations that contributed to the ousting of three presidents between 1997 and 2005.

Protesters have:

• Blocked roads using earth, stones, and logs
• Confronted authorities directly
• Led to dozens of detentions

Demographics and Community Perspective

Indigenous people, though officially 8 percent of Ecuador’s population according to the latest census, claim their actual share is closer to 25 percent, highlighting their significant presence in the protests.

The demonstrations reflect longstanding tensions over economic policy and Indigenous rights, as communities continue to challenge the government’s approach to fuel subsidies and governance