Ecuador blocks bank accounts of indigenous leaders and environmental activists amid political crackdown

Ecuador’s government has frozen the bank accounts of dozens of Indigenous leaders, environmental activists, and nonprofit organizations since September 2025, effectively cutting off their access to funds needed for community organizing and conservation efforts. The financial restrictions have left many groups unable to support their ongoing work protecting ancestral lands and environmental resources.

The account freezes coincide with heightened political tensions and nationwide protests against President Daniel Noboa’s administration. Just weeks before the banking restrictions began, Ecuador’s National Assembly passed controversial legislation that significantly expands government oversight of NGOs, nonprofits, and social movements under the banner of combating organized crime. Critics argue the law is being used to silence dissent and undermine civil society organizations.

Most affected groups report their accounts were frozen without advance notice or explanation from authorities. While some organizations have successfully petitioned courts to restore access to their funds, the majority remain locked out of their accounts after more than six weeks. Indigenous leaders warn that the financial restrictions are severely hampering their ability to organize community assemblies, fund environmental protection initiatives, and coordinate other essential social programs.

The timing of the account freezes appears linked to protests organized by CONAIE, Ecuador’s national Indigenous federation, which called for a national strike against the president just one day before the banking restrictions began. Government officials have declined to comment on the account freezes, directing inquiries to the Financial and Economic Analysis Unit, which investigates suspected money laundering cases. However, that agency has not responded to media requests for clarification about the actions.