This archive report was first published on 25 October 2019.
October 2019 saw a surge in protests across the globe, with several countries experiencing widespread demonstrations and unrest.
One of the earliest and most significant protests began in Bolivia on October 21, triggered by the disputed results of the October 20 presidential election, which gave outgoing leader Evo Morales almost outright victory for a fourth term.
Violence erupted in several regions, and a general strike was launched on October 23, resulting in several people being injured in clashes between supporters and opponents of Morales.
In Chile, protests began on October 18, sparked by an increase in the price of metro tickets in the capital. President Sebastian Pinera initially suspended the price hike but later announced social measures to address the issue. However, the protests spread, with demonstrators complaining about living costs and social inequality. A general strike started on October 23, resulting in 18 deaths.
Lebanon witnessed protests from October 17, triggered by a proposed tax on calls made through messaging apps. The government quickly axed the measure and announced emergency economic reforms, but the protests continued, with demonstrators demanding the removal of the entire political class. The peaceful protests, marked by several clashes, paralyzed the country, but there were no reported injuries.
Guinea experienced protests from October 7, sparked by accusations that President Alpha Conde was trying to circumvent a bar on a third term in office. Thousands of people joined a string of demonstrations organized by an alliance of opposition groups, the FNDC, resulting in around 10 protesters killed.
Ecuador saw protests from October 1 to 13, triggered by the scrapping of fuel subsidies. After 12 days of protests, President Lenin Moreno and the indigenous movement reached an agreement, reinstating fuel subsidies. The protests resulted in eight deaths and 1,340 injuries.
In Iraq, protests began on October 1, sparked by spontaneous calls on social media to protest corruption, unemployment, and poor public services. The government announced reforms after a week of protests, but protesters continued to demand an end to corruption and unemployment, as well as an overhaul of the political system. The protests resumed on October 25, with a new upsurge of violence, resulting in over 150 deaths in the first week and at least 12 on Friday alone.
Other ongoing protest movements include those in Hong Kong, which began on June 9 in response to a draft government bill that would allow extradition to mainland China. The protests, initially peaceful, have degenerated into violent clashes between protesters and security forces, with numerous pro-democracy activists being attacked by supporters of mainland China. In Algeria, the decision by President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to run for a fifth term sparked a wave of peaceful demonstrations on February 22. Bouteflika resigned in April, but protesters continue to demand an overhaul of the entire political establishment.
