Event Summary
On 5 February 5 2026, environmental activists held a peaceful demonstration in the vicinity of the National Assembly to oppose the draft Organic Law for the Strengthening of Strategic Mining and Energy Sectors. This law, among other reforms, proposes changes to the process for granting environmental permits to mining companies, without specifying whether the currently required mechanisms for prior consultation and citizen participation will be maintained.
According to activists present at the protest, the National Police restricted access to a street adjacent to the legislative building, despite the fact that it is normally open to both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. In response to this restriction, demonstrators moved to another location farther away from the police perimeter. However, minutes later, a new contingent of officers ordered the dispersal of the protest, using pepper spray and engaging in physical confrontations with several demonstrators.
This occurred despite the fact that, unlike on previous occasions, the right to peaceful assembly had not been suspended through a declaration of a state of emergency. In this sense, the incident reflects a growing intolerance on the part of the Ecuadorian government toward expressions of dissent, particularly those coming from environmental organizations, which have voiced concern over the government’s interest in rapidly expanding mining activities and loosening existing regulatory controls.
To date, there have been no official statements from civil society regarding this incident. However, further demonstrations against the proposed law are expected in the coming days.