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Indigenous peoples from Ecuador, on the warpath with government’s Water Bill

 
Clashes between police and the indigenous movement acting under CONAIE’s umbrella go on after native people seized the Parliament in Quito · Indigenous peoples argue the new legislation on water was endorsed 'behind Ecuador’s people back'b but say their protests are not aimed at overthrowing Correa’s government.

The Government of Ecuador continues to challenge thousands of indigenous demonstrators after native peoples blocked several key parts of the country to protest against the Water Bill, a legislation aimed at regulating the country's water policies. The bill establishes the creation of a Single Water Authority (AUA) headed by a national secretariat which would be appointed by the government. The CONAIE (Confederation of Indigenous Nations from Ecuador) opposes the move arguing there hasn't been a "real inclusion of demands made by indigenous peoples, peasants and Ecuador's social sectors".

In the protestors' point of view, the bill "does not secure deprivatisation of water, the right over natural environment nor a minimum fee as a right for citizens", among others. According to Servindi, the CONAIE further called for the Single Water Authority to become a "Multinational Council made up of all social sectors".

Even though the conflict sparked off several months ago, it was only last week when tension became riots. On May 4, as the bill was being discussed in Parliament, hundreds of demonstrators gathered in front of the legislative body to block the entrance for a few hours. The members of parliament did not reach an agreement on the proposal and therefore the debate was postponed.

CONAIE then announced objection to the bill would go on, not only in Quito but also in other parts of the country. Clashes with police took place as indigenous peoples cut off the Pan-American Highway north of Quito.

According to BBC Mundo, the president of the Assembly Fernando Cordero called on indigenous peoples to negotiate and present alternative proposals for discussion.

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