Issue and Opponent: In 2002, the Indigenous movement in Ecuador helped Lucio Edwin Gutierrez win the presidential elections. However, once Gutierrez was in office, he began to go back on his campaign promises, thus alienating indigenous groups through his policy measures.
Dilemma Action: On the second day of the general assembly of the Organization of American States, indigenous groups in Ecuador planned several demonstrations and actions to demand President Gutierrez’s resignation. One of the key tactics was to block the Pan-American highway, the one through which the capital of Ecuador entered. The protest sought to call attention to the inequality, poverty, and social and political crises plaguing the nation.
Outcomes: Reporters covering the demonstrations and tactics the day of the event were arrested, and photo journalists were forced to hand over their cameras. Reports claim that the Pan-American highway remained open despite attempts to block it, though contradicting reports on the number of participants at the protests exist. On one occasion, the police shot tear gas at protesters. Official reports also detail communication from the military stating that they were ready to supra the police in case their capacity was overwhelmed. None of the demands were met.