Day: September 20, 2025

CONAIE Declares National Strike Amid Economic Protests in Ecuador

The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) has enacted an immediate and indefinite national strike in response to the freezing of bank accounts belonging to its leaders and organizations. This action coincides with widespread protests against Decree 126, which eliminated the diesel subsidy and subsequently increased prices by 56%, reports 24brussels.

In its official statement, CONAIE condemned the banks’ justification for the account freezes as responses to “state orders,” interpreting this as an intimidation tactic aimed at stifling social protest. The organization asserts that the diesel price hike—from $1.80 to $2.80 per gallon—has significantly impacted transport, production, and food costs across the nation.

During an extraordinary assembly held in Riobamba, Chimborazo province, CONAIE denounced what it described as a systematic strategy to criminalize social dissent. The organization stated, “The economic blockade of Indigenous leaders is not an isolated act but part of a strategy to criminalize social protest,” firmly rejecting any attempts at intimidation. In addition, CONAIE has called for oversight from international bodies such as the United Nations and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), citing repression and persecution.

Among the resolutions passed during the assembly, Indigenous leaders voiced their opposition to the expansion of oil and mining activities in their territories. They demanded the revocation of environmental licenses for projects in Quimsacocha and Palo Quemado and declared a “community state of emergency” to prevent security forces from entering their lands while activating community guards.

The diesel price increase has triggered protests in various provinces, leading to significant roadblocks in Carchi and disruptions on routes to Quito. A notable anti-mining demonstration in Cuenca underscored the growing public dissatisfaction with government policies. In response, President Daniel Noboa declared a state of emergency in seven provinces, prohibiting public gatherings while protests continue unabated.

CONAIE reiterated its commitment to collective action, stating, “The struggle of the peoples continues in unity,” and urged the international community to monitor the situation for possible human rights violations.

Belgium Celebrates Regional Feast Days, Highlighting its Decentralized Heritage

The Walloon region of Belgium is set to celebrate its regional feast day this weekend, following the earlier celebrations in the Brussels region and Flanders. These regional days reflect Belgium’s decentralised nature, offering more than just a single national holiday, reports 24brussels.

The first celebration of the year occurs on 8 May for the Brussels region, followed by Flanders on 11 July and Belgium’s national day on 21 July. The Walloon region celebrates on the third Sunday of September, while the French community observes its feast on 27 September. The German-speaking community highlights its identity with a celebration on 15 November.

Each of these dates commemorates significant historical events, although their importance is subject to debate. The national day on 21 July marks the oath-taking of Belgium’s first king in 1831, while the Flemish community commemorates a notable victory over the French army on 11 July 1302, a date that some historians regard as contentious.

The dates for the Walloon and French community celebrations link back to Belgium’s independence in 1830. However, the distinction between Wallonia and the French community is influenced by the presence of a large Francophone population in Brussels, which is separate from the Walloons. In contrast, the Flemish community generally does not make such distinctions, as few Dutch speakers reside in Brussels. To demonstrate solidarity, the official event on 11 July is consistently held in the Brussels city hall.

Despite the multiple regional celebrations, Belgian workers do not receive time off for each feast day. Only 21 July is recognized as an official public holiday, with some civil servants benefiting from additional time off on their respective regional or community days.

In summary, these regional feats not only celebrate Belgium’s diverse cultural landscape but also underscore its complex political structure, presenting an opportunity to engage with the nation’s rich history and identity.

_{#FlandersNewsService | The official speech of the president of the Flemish parliament, now ​Freya Van den Bossche, is held in the city hall of Brussels on 11 July. © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}