Ecuador: Tensions high in Cuenca over mining project

Event

As of Tuesday, May 15, tensions remain high around Cuenca over a proposed mining project. A number of indigenous and campesino (farmer) organizations have been holding protests over the Rio Blanco gold mining project near the Cajas National Park. Members of the Ecuarunari, the national confederation of the Kichwa people, claimed that three of their leaders were abducted by unidentified men on May 9. The victims were released later in the day and additional security personnel were deployed to the area. According to unconfirmed reports, police officers opened fire on the protesters near the project. Further demonstrations are likely in the coming days as the activists have refused to end their protests.

Context

The indigenous communities have opposed the Rio Blanco project for the past 16 years. They claim that the mines will destroy water resources in the area and the ecosystem within the Cajas National Park.

Advice

Individuals in Cuenca are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution.