This is the continuing coverage of the unfolding SHTF situation in Ecuador being reported by an American Partisan reader and expat living in the nation. Previously I had been helping him remotely to build up the local Red Cross chapter off-grid communications, which was left in shambles from neglect and no serious attitude towards them amid more convenient methods. And now here they are, with periodic outages just in the beginning phases of what looks like a long term bad situation playing out.

What about you? Got training?

Expat ‘Fred’ has collected a series of news articles covering the incidents in real time. At this time it appears the real players have unfolded- Maduro (and Russia, and China) are seeking to destabilize the entire region, piece by piece. Still wondering where those 50K AK-103s being built per year in Caracas are headed? And where will they go after that? I’ll give you a hint- I suspect they’ll be coming north. 

Here’s what he sends:

Music of the day is Warren Zevon “Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner”

First round of the town, Quiet except for one roving band of indigs with machetes and staffs. When they pass, what shop owners that are open, pull the steel shutters fronting their shops down and stay inside fearing vandalism or robbery. You can see such shuttered shops in the background. A $7 chicken is $14 when you can find it. Tomorrow is Independence Day for Guayaquil and most think its going to be a lot more violent than the last few days. Guayaquil declared independence from Spain 9 October, 1820 and Conae, the national indig unity group called for a national strike tomorrow (whats been going on so far no??). One interesting question that I have not been able to get an answer for is where do the indig groups get gasoline and diesel for the farm trucks used to transport them to roadblocks, protests and the long distance intercity to places like Guayaquil and Quito? No one knew or no one would say. These trucks(see second photo) arent economical to operate……and there are a LOT of them moving a LOT of people. Another consideration is that there are a LOT of moving, millions literally–and they manage to find sustenance on the road, and at the protests. These people stay in encampments they pitch on public land, I have visited such encampments and they have mobile kitchens they set up, everybody eats and outsiders most times are offered a a meal…….so someone has depth in infrastructure and supply for a lot of people.

Couple of other observations….I asked my landlady how her 74 year old mother was getting along on their farm outside of Ibarra….74 year old mother has been gone for 2 days, gone to man a highway barricade…..

More to come.

This just breaking from elciudadano. Apparently attempting a more effective response to an already grave stiuation

State of serious emergency declared in Quito: Protests overflow

Felix Eduardo Gutierrez
79
10/08/2019

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is on Tuesday under a state of serious emergency, declared by the mayor, Jorge Yunda, for the duration of the period of exception decreed by the national government of Lenin Moreno,Prensa Latina published.

The measure seeks to keep the basic services active and allows the town council to be active 24 hours a day, for which the burgomaster called the Metropolitan Council to testify in permanent session.

In accordance with the provision, the decision was taken taking into account that since last October 3 violent demonstrations and concentrations are held in different parts of the capital, as well as closure of roads, which have altered the public and normal order development of citizen activities.

The text clarifies that this situation caused damage to people, property and the environment, as well as effects on mobility through the city, due to the suspension of local, intracantonal and interprovincial transport routes.

Since last October 3, Quito, along with other cities in Ecuador, is the center of protests against economic measures announced by President Lenin Moreno on October 1, which caused discontent in the population.

The elimination of the subsidy for extra gasoline and diesel, in force since that day, is one of the most criticized reforms, because it led to the increase in passenger fares on public transport, as well as an increase in product prices of the basic basket.

Other provisions, also submitted by the executive and that will be subject to the approval of the National Assembly, include a 20 percent reduction in the payment of renewed occasional contracts and a 30 to 15 day reduction of the vacation period for public employees.

As a result, since last Thursday and until the eve, numerous marches took place in protest for what several sectors of Ecuadorian society consider as a package and a direct blow to the pockets of the working mass of this Andean nation.

Mobilizations are also planned for this day, to which are added indigenous peoples and nationalities that are already in the capital and plan to maintain the uprising indefinitely.

The actions are preamble of a great national strike, called for this Wednesday. Meanwhile, the president of the Republic, Lenín Moreno, announced the temporary transfer of the government headquarters to the port city of Guayaquil, where he has been since Tuesday.

The surroundings of the Palace of Carondelet, in Quito, where the presidency of the Republic lies, remain guarded by the armed forces and classes throughout this country were suspended for this day, a measure that was applied last Thursday and Friday.

The day before, the closure of schools was only in force in the Sierra region, where there have been more violent events, mainly due to the strong police repression unleashed against the protesters.

The dignitary insists that he will not reverse the measures presented and those mobilized maintain the intention of remaining in the streets until the reforms are revoked.

More to come