Author: Carolina Mella Happe
Ecuador experienced a massive nationwide blackout that left the country without power for over three hours. The blackout, attributed to a transmission line failure, led to chaos in cities like Quito and Guayaquil. This incident occurred amidst an ongoing energy crisis worsened by recent heavy rains affecting essential hydroelectric plants. Minister of Energy Roberto Luque admitted that the outages could have been prevented with proper investment in the electricity system. The systematic failure started with the malfunctioning of a transmission line, causing a domino effect on other plants and ultimately leading to the blackout. Although power was gradually restored, the…
Violence is spiraling out of control in Ecuador, casting doubt on the government’s claims of handling the chaos. While violent deaths have decreased by 485 in 2024 compared to the same period last year, it’s important to note that 2023 marked the country’s most violent year with a record-high homicide rate. With 2,400 crimes in the first half of the year, security remains a pressing issue. Daniel Noboa and CAF Executive President Sergio Díaz Granados attend a security meeting on organized crime groups on Monday in Quito.José Jácome (EFE) The Minister of Defense, Gian Carlo Loffredo, warned that the country…
Ricardo, a former inmate of Guayaquil’s Litoral prison, bears the physical and emotional scars of his time behind bars. He shares stories of abuse, torture, and inhumane treatment at the hands of prison guards. Despite the horrors he faced, Ricardo is now a free man, able to enjoy basic comforts like a shower and a decent meal. The prison system in Ecuador has come under scrutiny for its severe mistreatment of inmates, with reports of torture, food deprivation, and deplorable living conditions. Families anxiously await the release of their loved ones, hoping they have survived the brutality within the walls…
An ambitious real estate project in Ecuador, backed by the president’s wife, came to a halt after community members protested the potential destruction of a protected forest. The decision to suspend the luxury development by Vinazin S.A. followed public outcry and concerns from locals in Oloncito, on the Pacific coast. The project faced criticism for endangering the environment and disregarding local regulations. President Noboa and his wife faced scrutiny over the controversial venture, prompting a government inquiry. The conflict highlighted tensions between economic development and environmental conservation. The cancellation of the project not only affected job opportunities for thousands but…
Ecuadorian police’s recent assault on the Mexican Embassy in Quito is impacting Ecuadorian migrants in Mexico. Due to strained relations, Ecuador will close its consulates in Mexico, forcing Ecuadorians to travel to Guatemala City, Houston, or Phoenix for paperwork. This change affects vulnerable migrants, including children and teenagers, stranded in Mexico on their way to the United States. The closure also raises concerns about handling emergencies like arrests or repatriating bodies of deceased citizens. Police guarding the Ecuadorian Embassy in Mexico City before a demonstration on April 6. Nayeli Cruz Ecuador’s Foreign Ministry announced that Peru will now handle consular…
The prisoners in Ecuador are facing a dire situation as the company responsible for feeding them has abandoned the prison kitchens due to an outstanding debt of $30 million from the government. This debt includes school meals for 1.5 million children as well. A first alert about the lack of food for prisoners came on April 26, but official statements denied any supply suspension. Human rights organizations have documented mistreatment and abuse, worsened by the presence of the military in prisons authorized by President Daniel Noboa. Families are now relying on donations to feed their incarcerated loved ones. Pressure from…