A major social and political explosion is taking place in the South American country of Ecuador, where a nationwide transport strike against the government of President Jamil Mahuad has come together with mass protests by impoverished Indian peasants in the Andean highlands. So far it has paralyzed the major cities of Ecuador. Markets are empty and there is no fuel. The country is on fire and we want to put the fire out.
Indian organizations are also part of the strike.
Already the Indians have blocked several key highways. Indians also took the drinking water installation in Ambato, leaving Quito without water. The emergency had given the president a 60-day period during which it could use the army to impose order. So far 378 strikers have been arrested. Around Quito, striking taxi drivers were organizing collections from motorists in the few vehicles still circulating.