The tenth day of strike in the province of Napa, Ecuadorescalated with the seizure of the Governorate in the city of Really by Amazonian communities and nationalities. This act of protest, led by the Napo Permanent Popular Assemblyresponds to the Government’s refusal to Daniel Noboa to suspend the construction of a maximum security prison in Archidona.
The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of the Ecuadorian Amazon (CONFENIAE) reported on its social networks that the takeover of the Government was carried out as a pressure measure, after the Government ignored calls for dialogue on the high security prison planned in Archidona. When the de facto measure began, ten days ago, the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) supported these actions, pointing out that the Amazon provinces have other demands which require “prioritizing the true needs of peoples and nationalities, such as health, education, roads, production and community development.”
The Governorate remains under the control of the protesters, who, complying with the resolutions of the Permanent Popular Assemblyhave intensified mobilizations in an attempt to attract attention to their demands. So far, the Government has not issued an official statement in response to the takeover of the institution. On the night of December 12, it was also learned that the director of the prison of Napaprovince where it is also located Archidonaresigned from his position.
The conflict centers on the construction of a maximum security prison that, according to the communities, was approved without the prior, free and informed consultation required by the Constitution Ecuador and international agreements such as Convention 169 of the ILO. Indigenous representatives point out that the project violates the territorial and cultural rights of the Amazonian peoples. The Ecuadorian congress has also become involved in the controversy. On December 11, he asked the Government to suspend the construction of the prison, arguing that the measure needs greater technical, social and environmental analysis. This resolution of Legislative It seeks to prevent an escalation of tensions, although it is not binding.
The protests have partially paralyzed activities in Tena and other towns in Napa. According to reports from Expressprotesters have blocked main roads and established camps in front of the Governor’s Office. Commercial and administrative activities in the government building remain suspended, while protesters assure that they will continue with the occupation until their demands are heard.
Meanwhile, on December 12 it was learned that the construction contract for the Archidona prison had been awarded, USD 51.9 million, to the Chinese company CAMCE, as reported First fruits. The Government’s security plan, of which the construction of prisons like the one in Saint Helena and the proposal in Archidonahas as its central objective to address the causes of the prison crisis in Ecuador.
Among its pillars is the reduction of overcrowding, which exceeds 30% in current prisonsand the implementation of new social rehabilitation measures. The authorities have also emphasized the need to strengthen the internal security of prisons, affected by the influence of criminal organizations.
The Executive has emphasized that the president’s security plan Noboa focuses on the fight against organized crime, where one of the axes is the stabilization of the prison system. The Noboa administration has stressed that prison infrastructure is only one part of a security strategy that also includes constitutional reforms, such as allowing the presence of foreign military bases to fight drug trafficking.
The night of December 11, Justina Zambrano, Undersecretary of Governance, highlighted the importance of dialogue with the affected communities and local authorities: “For the President of the Republic, the security of the country is a priority, and it has been decided to maintain the project in the place where it is located, with sustained investment. We invite people not to close the dialogue so that the resistance measures can be controlled,” he assured. Zambrano explained that the Government will remain committed to other projects for the Amazon, emphasizing public management in favor of the region.
