Authorities say the explosions were retaliation for government bombings against illegal mining operations in Imbabura. Attack linked to Los Lobos faction A new wave of terror hit Guayaquil this week as investigators confirmed that the car bomb attack on October 14th was orchestrated by Los Lobos, one of Ecuador’s most powerful criminal organizations. According to […] To access this post, you must purchase The Cuenca Dispatch Subscription – Monthly or The Cuenca Dispatch Subscription – Annual.

Digitalization, investment, and incentives are helping nearly half a million Ecuadorians enter the workforce in 2025 Nearly half a million new contracts signed From January 1st to October 13, 2025, Ecuador recorded 490,260 new labor contracts, almost doubling the number registered during the same period in 2024. Data from the Ministry of Labor show that […] To access this post, you must purchase The Cuenca Dispatch Subscription – Monthly or The Cuenca Dispatch Subscription – Annual.

Falling prices and stagnant output heighten pressure on state finances and energy reforms. Falling prices and rising challenges Ecuador’s oil sector faces a tightening squeeze as global oversupply drives prices lower and domestic production remains stalled well below government targets. Analysts warn that the combined effect could strain state finances and complicate President Daniel Noboa’s […] To access this post, you must purchase The Cuenca Dispatch Subscription – Monthly or The Cuenca Dispatch Subscription – Annual.

Government declares peace as Conaie vows to continue territorial resistance and rearm its long-term struggle. Talks bring partial calm but no end to the strike After more than three weeks of demonstrations across Ecuador, the national strike led by the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) remains unresolved. Although regional dialogues in Imbabura and […] To access this post, you must purchase The Cuenca Dispatch Subscription – Monthly or The Cuenca Dispatch Subscription – Annual.

Falling oil prices and excessive government spending widen Ecuador’s deficit despite borrowing and subsidy cuts Revenue shortfall exposes fragile economy Ecuador’s finances are once again on unstable ground. Between January and September 2025, the government collected $14.026 billion in taxes and oil revenue, enough to cover only 70 percent of total public spending. That means […] To access this post, you must purchase The Cuenca Dispatch Subscription – Monthly or The Cuenca Dispatch Subscription – Annual.

Armed groups shift operations to subtropical cantons exploiting legal gaps and weak local oversight. Criminal groups relocate to the highlands Organized crime in Ecuador is moving inland. As military operations tighten in coastal provinces, criminal organizations such as Los Lobos and Los Choneros are shifting their operations to less monitored cantons in the central Sierra. […] To access this post, you must purchase The Cuenca Dispatch Subscription – Monthly or The Cuenca Dispatch Subscription – Annual.