Ecuador government, indigenous leaders hold first talks amid protests

Women from different indigenous organizations, feminist groups and civil society march as they take part in a demonstration demanding lower fuel and food prices and an end to police violence after nearly two weeks of mass protest, in Quito, Ecuador June 25, 2022. REUTERS/Karen Toro

Ecuador's government and indigenous leaders met on Saturday for the first formal talks since mass protests began two weeks ago, and President Guillermo Lasso eased security measures.

The demonstrations, which broke out on June 13 fueled by indigenous calls for lower fuel and food prices, among other demands, have led to at least six civilian deaths and multiple attacks on security forces.