An associate of the notorious Los Choneros leader exposes the criminal empire, paving the way for extradition. José Adolfo Macías Villamar, better known as ‘Fito,’ the notorious leader of the Ecuadorian criminal group Los Choneros, is now facing extradition to the United States, where he faces seven serious charges. The extradition, which was approved by […]

Indigenous organization condemns assembly members for supporting ruling party’s initiatives. The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) has expelled six Pachakutik legislators for aligning with the government’s agenda. During its VIII National Congress held in Conocoto, Quito, on July 19, 2025, the organization unanimously voted to expel Cecilia Baltazar, Carmen Tiupul, Manuel Choro, Fernando […]

The controversial security contractor returns to assist Ecuador’s efforts against organized crime amid mounting concerns. Erik Prince, the founder of the private security company Blackwater (now known as Academi), returned to Ecuador on Friday, July 18, 2025, marking his third visit to the country this year. His latest visit comes as part of a government […]

The latest IMF move underscores the country’s deepening reliance on multilateral support amid fiscal challenges. Ecuador’s dependency on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has been solidified with the approval of a $600 million disbursement and an additional $1 billion extension to the country’s $4 billion credit program. This new arrangement, approved on July 18, 2025, […]

With defections and tensions rising, Luisa González struggles to maintain unity within the once-dominant political faction. The Citizen Revolution (RC), the once-formidable political faction led by former President Rafael Correa, is grappling with a growing crisis following the departure of key assembly members. On July 15, 2025, Assemblywoman Jhajaira Urresta became the latest high-profile member […]

The decision comes after a lengthy investigation into an alleged illegal fuel distribution network affecting Ecuador’s subsidized petroleum products. The legal proceedings in the Triple A case took a significant step forward on July 19, 2025, when a judge at the North Judicial Complex in Quito ruled to bring 16 individuals and six legal entities […]

1,500 individuals excluded following State Comptroller’s recommendation due to expired or canceled visas. On July 18, 2025, the National Electoral Council (CNE) of Ecuador officially removed 1,543 foreign citizens from the Electoral Registry, effectively disqualifying them from participating in future elections. This decision follows a report issued by the State Comptroller General’s Office, which urged […]

Gunmen target gathering, including municipal officials and a soccer coach, in latest act of violence in Guayas province. On the afternoon of Saturday, July 19, 2025, a violent armed attack rocked the Santa Isabel neighborhood in General Villamil Playas, leaving nine people dead. The attack, which took place in a local pool hall, marks the […]

I find myself in an optimistic mood this week, looking across the country and reflecting on the state of things. Yes, there are plenty of problems—many of them serious—but there are also signs that things may be turning around. Noboa has his hands full, no question about it. There are still too many murders every […]

Ecuador’s power grid at risk as aging thermoelectric plants struggle to meet rising demand in the dry season. As Ecuador approaches its dry season, expected to begin in August 2025, the country faces significant challenges in maintaining a stable power supply. With the looming drought, the production capacity of hydroelectric plants is set to decline, […]