A wave of uncertainty and concern has gripped Ecuador over the state of rights and the future of democracy after right-wing President Lasso invoked the “muerte cruzada” clause in the country’s constitution, dissolving congress and convening new elections.

Amid the political turmoil in Quito, oil spills in the Amazon continue unabated. On May 11, a new spill from a Petroecuador pipeline spewed crude into the Conejo River for hours until it was finally controlled. Local organizations estimate an average of two spills per week, contaminating crops, forests, and water sources that communities depend on for drinking, bathing, and fishing.

The uncertain political situation creates significant additional threats in the Amazon. Civil unrest in Ecuador has historically resulted in the violent crackdown on protesters and criminalization of Indigenous leaders. For example, the government repressed demonstrators in 2022 when the Indigenous movement demanded a halt to oil and mining activities in the Amazon.

Lasso’s consolidation of power exacerbates the risk to environmental defenders like Eduardo Mendúa, who was killed in front of his home, allegedly for organizing community opposition to Petroecuador’s oil drilling plans.

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