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The Cuenca Dispatch publishes exclusive reports on Ecuador’s economy, politics, crime and more that you will not find published anywhere else on the web.
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Volume 8, Issue 42
From the week of July 21, 2024
Vice President Abad Says She Has Not Yet Been Summoned to a Hearing at the Electoral Dispute Court
“I don’t know what I’m being tried for; I don’t know of any documentation,” said Vice President Verónica Abad. The Electoral Dispute Tribunal set a hearing for August 15th.
Karpowership Barge to Cost $115 Million, Generate 110 MW for Power Crisis
Energy Minister Antonio Goncalves explained why the Turkish barge had already set sail for the region without a signed contract.
Corr(uption)eístas
Where to start this week? I’m taking a slight detour from what’s published in The Cuenca Dispatch (TCD) to discuss some other news from Ecuador, which is related to one of this week’s stories. You’ll read that the Correístas blocked the vote in the National Assembly to impeach Wilman Terán, former president of the Judicial […]
Wilman Terán and Maribel Barreno Avoid Censure in Impeachment Trial
The National Assembly did not secure the necessary 92 affirmative votes. Members of Correa’s RC party abstained from voting.
Update – Avianca to Offer Daily Flights from Quito to Buenos Aires
Update to: Avianca inaugurates new direct route connecting Quito and Orlando Published: Volume 7, Issue 34 Starting August 31, 2024, Avianca will increase its flights between Quito and Buenos Aires to a daily service, adding three additional frequencies. This expansion will provide more than 2,100 seats per week on the route. Tickets are available for […]
Salinas Fishermen Harassed by Drug Traffickers: “If You Complain, You Die”
Fishermen from Salinas and other towns in Santa Elena describe how they succumb to pressure from drug traffickers, who pay up to $10,000 to transport drugs.
June was the Most Violent Month of 2024 in Ecuador: 592 People Killed
Between February and June 2024, during the internal armed conflict, violent deaths in Ecuador increased by 61%.
Providing Drinking Water to 10,000 People in Rural Ecuador: A Challenge Aiming to Change Lives
José Luis Álvarez, president of the Sumar Juntos Initiative, explains the scope of this project in a country where 35% of homes still do not have drinking water.
Ecuadorians’ Harrowing Journeys: Personal Stories of Risking Lives to Reach the USA
More than 350,000 Ecuadorians have been deported from the United States between 2021 and May 2024.
Volume 8, Issue 41
From the week of July 14, 2024
Ecuador’s Country Risk Drops to 1,278 Points but Remains High Due to Persistent Uncertainties
The ITT issue, the upcoming elections, and normal market movements keep the indicator fluctuating.
Vice President Verónica Abad Faces Legal and Personal Turmoil Amid Early Campaign Allegations
Abad faces legal charges for alleged early campaigning, with a crucial hearing scheduled for August 15th. Amid political tension and personal claims of endangerment, Abad stands firm against mounting pressures from President Noboa’s administration.
A Shot Heard Round the World
I had planned to reprint one of my old columns this week since I’m on vacation. But the major event of the week cannot be ignored, so here I go. I’m talking, of course, about the assassination attempt on Presidential candidate Donald Trump. Thankfully, Trump sustained only minor injuries and will be able to continue […]
Corruption in Ecuadorian Ports Worries UN Anti-Drug Office
The UN Office on Drugs proposes greater control of corruption in Ecuador’s ports, which are key to drug trafficking. The plan includes mechanisms to combat money laundering.
New Law Enforces Stricter Penalties Following Popular Consultation and Referendum
The new law, effective as of July 12, 2024, implements changes mandated by the popular consultation and referendum held on April 21, 2024. It introduces tougher penalties for various crimes and streamlines asset forfeiture procedures.
Nearly Two Million Venezuelans Entered Ecuador in Six Years; Around 500,000 Remain Despite Declining Numbers
In the first quarter of 2024, the number of Venezuelans leaving Ecuador increased by 33% compared to last year.
Replacing Combustion Vehicles with Clean Energy Vehicles: Migration in Ecuador Already in the Plans of Automotive Brands
Hybrid and electric vehicle sales grew by 768% and 4,000% from 2019 to this year. Ford, for example, estimates that by 2032 its entire portfolio will be electric.
Construye’s Bench to Vote Against Dismissal of Chancellor Gabriela Sommerfeld
The trial is in the preliminary phase, with the deadline for presenting evidence both for and against the case set for Friday.
Volume 8, Issue 40
From the week of July 07, 2024
“Sound of Freedom” Activist Tim Ballard to Address Child Trafficking in Ecuador
Tim Ballard, a former U.S. security agent and activist who exposed a case of child pornography in Canoa (Manabí), which inspired the movie “Sound of Freedom,” is set to deliver three lectures in Ecuador.
Ecuadorian Communities Unite to Revive Historic Inca Trail with New Highway
Community members are ending half a millennium of waiting by building a highway that will link the Central Sierra with the Coast and the Amazon. Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, and Bolívar have united in a $2 million project to realize this dream, with hopes to inaugurate it within a year.
Look at it this way…
I’m traveling right now for a few weeks—in the US—and it has put me in a pensive mood. I find myself somewhat disconnected from my surroundings. Denver is still familiar to me but does not seem like home anymore. Nor does Florida, my mother’s adopted home state. I feel like I’m a passenger on a […]
Ecuador’s Transporters Plan National Strike Over Fuel Subsidy Cuts and Road Insecurity
Interprovincial transporters in Ecuador have announced a national strike on July 16 and 17, 2024, in protest against the elimination of gasoline subsidies and increasing insecurity on the roads. This decision comes as a major challenge for the government of Daniel Noboa, which is preparing to face its first significant strike since taking office.
Kidnapped Migrants Number in the Thousands: An Alarming Trend
The total number of kidnapped migrants is in the thousands, and many do not report these incidents out of fear. Organized crime networks intercept groups of migrants, with taxi or bus drivers sometimes selling travelers to traffickers.
At Midyear, Ecuador’s Economy Faces Challenges Amidst Political Uncertainty and Energy Crises
Ecuador’s economy is facing a challenging year in 2024, with significant hurdles such as power outages and political uncertainty due to upcoming elections.
Country’s Largest Hydroelectric Plant Threatened by Rapid Erosion
Rapid erosion threatens Ecuador’s largest hydroelectric plant, Coca Codo Sinclair, prompting concerns about its stability and operational future.
Powership Barge on its Way to Address Ecuador’s Electricity Crisis
Roberto Luque, former Energy Minister and current Minister of Transport and Public Works announced that the barge the government will rent to address the electricity crisis is already in route to Ecuador, despite the contract not yet being signed.
Dunia Martínez Elected President of Judicial Council Despite Lack of Experience
Despite no judicial experience, Martínez says she aims to modernize and bring transparency to the Council.
Volume 8, Issue 39
From the week of June 30, 2024
Constitutional Court Sets Criteria for Deportation of Foreigners Amid Migrant Rights Debate
Ecuador can deport a foreigner, but first it must evaluate "five axes of democracy, such as family ties," ruled the Constitutional Court. In 2019, the Constitutional Court analyzed the detention of...
Ecuador’s Economy Grows 1.2% Despite Decline in Exports and Household Consumption
According to a report from the Central Bank of Ecuador, between January and March, exports and household consumption contracted. The 3.3% reduction in imports pushed Ecuador's economy to grow...
Ecuador Appoints Cristian Espinosa as Ambassador to U.S., Bolstering Diplomatic Relations
The seasoned diplomat has a long history of engagement with the United States, notably leading negotiations for the free trade agreement in 2004. The United States government has officially approved...
Construction Flaws and Natural Risks Threaten Ecuador’s Largest Hydroelectric Plant
Construction failures and natural risks threaten to permanently put Coca Codo Sinclair, Ecuador’s largest hydroelectric plant, out of operation. Three risks could permanently disable Coca Codo Sinclair, which, with 1,500 megawatts of power, is the largest hydroelectric plant in Ecuador. Coca Codo Sinclair is located between the Amazonian provinces of Napo and Sucumbíos. It was […]
Correismo Pushes to Halt Trial Against Wilman Terán
Correismo members on the Oversight Commission approved a report recommending that the Plenary Assembly archive the impeachment trial against Wilman Terán, the former president of the Judiciary Council. On Saturday, June 29, 2024, the Assembly’s Oversight Committee approved a report to file the impeachment petition against Wilman Terán, former president of the Judiciary Council, along […]
Government Announces Measures to Aid Families and Reduce Teenage Pregnancies
In a concerted effort to provide financial assistance to the most vulnerable families and address teenage pregnancies, the government has announced several new measures and programs. More than 1.4 million people currently receive some form of bonus or pension from the state. The government allocates around $1.3 billion annually for these initiatives. Starting in October, […]
It should be called the Corruption—not Citizen— Revolution
Just when you think you’ve seen it all…the Correístas find a way to amaze yet again. Much like a magician who uses sleight of hand to stop you from seeing the big reveal, the Correístas have managed to corrupt the political system once more to let one of their own escape justice. I’m talking, of […]
Government Seeks Outside Approval for New State of Emergency
Four days ago, the Government approached the World Jurist Association (WJA) with the aim of preparing a new state of emergency decree, this time to pass the filters of the Constitutional Court. President Daniel Noboa will attempt again to declare a state of emergency due to the insecurity situation that Ecuador is experiencing, after the […]
Private Sector and Government Unite to Combat Crime and ‘Retake’ Durán
The National Government is preparing a new police and military intervention in Durán, involving different ministries. Former presidential candidate Jan Topic is leading a new strategy with the municipality and the private sector, which includes patrols with armored vehicles. The interventions in Durán have lost the element of surprise. Middle managers of the criminal gangs […]
Volume 8, Issue 38
From the week of June 23, 2024
The Return of the ‘Candidate President’
For the first time in 11 years, a sitting president is running for re-election. Daniel Noboa will become a presidential candidate again, raising concerns about the implications. The term "candidate...
Ecuador’s Electricity Sector Facing Critical Situations
Ecuador’s electricity sector is currently grappling with several major crises, with significant implications for the Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric plant. The Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric plant has ceased operations due to sediment buildup. Consequently, an emergency has been declared to contract new energy sources. This situation is further exacerbated by the threat of low water […]
Electoral Complaint Against Verónica Abad: Daniel Noboa’s Last Option to Retain Presidential Power
Daniel Noboa Azín, President of Ecuador, has exhausted all institutional means to legitimize his candidacy for the 2025 general elections without relinquishing his duties. The only option left is for the Contentious Electoral Tribunal (TCE) to process a complaint for electoral infringement against Vice President Verónica Abad Rojas and potentially disqualify her. After the State […]
Exports from Ecuador to Mexico grew 181% in April despite embassy impasse
From January to April, shipments of Ecuadorian products to Mexico increased by 100%, with a general export growth of 5% to all destinations. Two and a half months after the police raid on the...
Indigenous Responses to Ecuador’s Fuel Subsidy Changes: Past Protests and Present Dynamics
During the governments of Lenín Moreno and Guillermo Lasso, the indigenous movement carried out violent protests resulting in deaths and economic losses. The government of Daniel Noboa announced a $0.26 increase in the price of a gallon of extra and Ecopaís gasoline, along with a price adjustment based on a band scheme tied to the […]
Update: Ecuadorian Migration Through Darién Gap Drops by 41% in Early 2024
Update to: The Darién Crisis: Record Migration Marks 2023, Ecuadorians Fleeing Insecurity Published: Volume 8, Issue 12 This figure represents a decrease compared to the same period in 2023,...
Sunny with a Few Clouds
This week, the Cuenca Dispatch covers familiar topics: Iza, Abad, Noboa, Mexico, and Coca Codo Sinclair. While all of this information is important, it doesn’t particularly excite me—and that’s a good thing. What I mean is that none of these issues are so outrageous that I feel the need to go on and on about […]
Iza Makes Accusations, Unions Plan Protest
Leonidas Iza Salazar, the president of the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (Conaie), has accused the government of Daniel Noboa Azín of allegedly introducing “henchmen” to disrupt their organizational structures. This accusation comes amidst actions rejecting the government’s economic policies. On June 21, 2024, during the celebration of Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun), […]
Update: Death Toll from Heavy Rains in Ecuador Rises to 19
Update to: El Niño is weakening in Ecuador, though rainfall and extreme heat persist. Published: Volume 8, Issue 25 The number of deaths due to the severe storms that have shaken the Sierra region of Ecuador since last weekend rose to 19 as of the night of Friday, June 21, 2024, according to the National […]
“We need to reach the territories to provide real, not fictitious, information about subsidies,” says Minister
The Secretary of Management and Development of Peoples and Nationalities of Ecuador, and former leader of Conaie, Marco Guatemal, recently discussed the objectives of his administration and why he believes the elimination of gasoline subsidies does not warrant a popular mobilization. Unlike his predecessor, President Daniel Noboa chose a representative from the same indigenous movement, […]