popular articles

Ecuador crisis: Five things you need to know about Ecuador

Explore the complex facets of Ecuador, from the challenges of narcotrafficking and violence, to the struggle of indigenous peoples for their territories, the detention of Assange and the economic stakes linked to oil, while discovering the unique treasure of the Galapagos Islands, in this captivating account of the tumultuous evolution of a nation.
Crise équatorienne

Please share:

Ecuador, where a state of emergency was declared on Thursday in the wake of the murder of one of the main presidential candidates, is a small oil-exporting Andean country plagued by drug trafficking.

Cocaine and Violence: Ecuador Faces a Security Crisis

Situated between Colombia and Peru, the world’s biggest cocaine producers, Ecuador has become a major center for the distribution of white powder to Europe and the United States. The country of 18 million inhabitants is experiencing the worst escalation of violence in its recent history. Drug-related crime has led to a near doubling of the homicide rate between 2021 and 2022, from 14 to 25 per 100,000 inhabitants. Deadly shootings have become frequent, mainly in Guayaquil, a major port in the south-west of the country.

Gang clashes have also led to repeated massacres in prisons, with over 420 inmates killed since February 2021. President Guillermo Lasso blamed “organized crime” after the murder of centrist Fernando Villavicencio, shot dead in Quito on August 9.

Ecuador: Indigenous Peoples Struggle for Territory

The 14 recognized indigenous “nationalities” are fighting to defend their ancestral territories threatened by oil and mining extraction. On August 20, at the same time as the first round of the presidential election, a referendum will be held on suspending oil production in the Yasuni nature reserve in northeastern Amazonia. However, the consultation is divisive, even within indigenous communities. Indigenous people represent 7% of the population according to the latest census, dating from 2010, and 25% according to their representatives, citing anthropological studies.

Indigenous peoples staged a historic uprising in 1990, as a result of which the government ceded 2.3 million hectares of land to the Amazon communities from which the oil is extracted. The powerful Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities (Conaie) also took part in the uprisings that toppled three presidents between 1997 and 2005. It spearheaded major protests in June 2022 against the rising cost of living, which left six people dead and forced the government to cut fuel prices.

Assange in Prison: Fight for Extradition

For seven years, from 2012 to 2019, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who had published confidential documents on US military and diplomatic activities, took refuge in the Ecuadorian embassy in London. But the country withdrew diplomatic asylum after Lenin Moreno (2017-2021) came to power, closer to the United States than his predecessor Rafael Correa. Arrested by British police in April 2019, the Australian has since been held in a high-security prison near London, from where he has appealed an extradition order to the USA.

Ecuadorian Economy: Oil and Main Sectors

Oil production has been one of the mainstays of the Ecuadorian economy since the 1970s. Crude oil, the main export, generated revenues of $10 billion in 2022, around 10% of GDP. Other major exports include bananas (the world’s leading exporter), shrimps, cocoa and roses. In 2022, GDP growth was 2.9% according to the World Bank.

The Galapagos Islands: Ecuador’s Unique Treasure

Ecuador, bathed to the west by the Pacific, is one of South America’s smallest states, with a surface area of 256,370 km2. The Galapagos Islands, reputed to have inspired British naturalist Charles Darwin’s theory of the evolution of species in the 19th century, are classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for their unique flora and fauna.

This volcanic archipelago, named after its giant tortoises, is one of the places most exposed to the climate crisis. Vulnerable species include marine iguanas, penguins, cormorants and sea lions. In May, Ecuador obtained a reduction of around $1 billion in its foreign debt, with a commitment to allocate $450 million to the protection of the Galapagos Islands.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

The head of Framatome will be heard on 30 April by both chambers to validate his nomination to lead EDF, following the non-renewal of Luc Rémont by the executive.
Following a series of major electricity outages on the island of Upolu, the Samoan government has declared a state of emergency to prioritise essential services and mobilise foreign aid.
Following a series of major electricity outages on the island of Upolu, the Samoan government has declared a state of emergency to prioritise essential services and mobilise foreign aid.
The Minister of Industry and Energy expressed openness to a debate and a vote on the 2025–2035 energy strategy, amid criticism from opposition parties over the lack of democratic consultation.
The Minister of Industry and Energy expressed openness to a debate and a vote on the 2025–2035 energy strategy, amid criticism from opposition parties over the lack of democratic consultation.
France’s Ministry of Industry and Energy postpones the 2025 energy voucher to November, citing delayed budget approval and announcing revised allocation rules.
France’s Ministry of Industry and Energy postpones the 2025 energy voucher to November, citing delayed budget approval and announcing revised allocation rules.
France’s decarbonisation pace slowed significantly in 2024, according to Citepa, putting its 2030 climate targets at risk.
Luc Rémont was dismissed as head of EDF by the French executive due to disagreements over industrial contract strategy and financing of the EPR2 nuclear programme.
Luc Rémont was dismissed as head of EDF by the French executive due to disagreements over industrial contract strategy and financing of the EPR2 nuclear programme.
Just Stop Oil will end its high-profile actions after one of its core demands was integrated into the British government's energy policy.
Just Stop Oil will end its high-profile actions after one of its core demands was integrated into the British government's energy policy.
The surge in solar production and the slow upgrade of electricity infrastructure are blocking thousands of projects in the Netherlands, affecting energy security and consumer costs.
The surge in solar production and the slow upgrade of electricity infrastructure are blocking thousands of projects in the Netherlands, affecting energy security and consumer costs.
The development of French power grids is facing a structural shortage of skilled labour, despite €200bn in projected investments by 2040.
Luc Rémont's departure exposes ongoing disagreements between EDF and the French State over electricity pricing for industry and the financing terms of the nuclear programme.
Luc Rémont's departure exposes ongoing disagreements between EDF and the French State over electricity pricing for industry and the financing terms of the nuclear programme.
The European Investment Bank approves a final tranche of PLN1.7bn for Orlen to modernise electricity distribution infrastructure in Poland via its subsidiary Energa Operator.
The European Investment Bank approves a final tranche of PLN1.7bn for Orlen to modernise electricity distribution infrastructure in Poland via its subsidiary Energa Operator.
Luc Rémont is replaced as head of EDF as French manufacturers criticise a pricing strategy seen as incompatible with national industrial competitiveness.
Luc Rémont is replaced as head of EDF as French manufacturers criticise a pricing strategy seen as incompatible with national industrial competitiveness.
Luc Rémont will not be reappointed as Chairman of Électricité de France, two years after his nomination, despite record profits in 2024 and the revival of the nuclear fleet.
The French government has appointed Bernard Fontana to lead EDF, relying on his experience in nuclear energy and energy-intensive industries, amid strategic restructuring and rising tariff pressures.
The French government has appointed Bernard Fontana to lead EDF, relying on his experience in nuclear energy and energy-intensive industries, amid strategic restructuring and rising tariff pressures.
Kazakhmys, the leading copper producer in Kazakhstan, partially suspends its operations after the death of eight workers. The company is conducting an inspection of its facilities to ensure operational safety.
Kazakhmys, the leading copper producer in Kazakhstan, partially suspends its operations after the death of eight workers. The company is conducting an inspection of its facilities to ensure operational safety.
The European Southern Observatory (ESO) warns of the potentially devastating consequences of a power plant project near its telescopes in the Atacama Desert, highlighting irreversible light pollution.
The European Southern Observatory (ESO) warns of the potentially devastating consequences of a power plant project near its telescopes in the Atacama Desert, highlighting irreversible light pollution.
The recent elections in Greenland resulted in a victory for the Demokraatit party, which advocates gradual independence from Denmark and increased support for the exploitation of natural resources, prioritizing the mining and energy sectors. This election comes amid heightened international tensions, notably due to proposals by Donald Trump to annex the territory.
In January 2025, Italy recorded a trade deficit of €264 million, largely attributed to the rising energy costs, according to the National Institute of Statistics (Istat).
In January 2025, Italy recorded a trade deficit of €264 million, largely attributed to the rising energy costs, according to the National Institute of Statistics (Istat).
The National Federation of Mines and Energy of the General Confederation of Labour (FNME-CGT) has elected Fabrice Coudour as secretary general. He succeeds Sébastien Ménesplier and inherits strategic issues, including the opening of hydropower concessions to competition.
The National Federation of Mines and Energy of the General Confederation of Labour (FNME-CGT) has elected Fabrice Coudour as secretary general. He succeeds Sébastien Ménesplier and inherits strategic issues, including the opening of hydropower concessions to competition.
Nigerien authorities have ordered the expulsion of three Chinese executives from oil companies and shut down a hotel owned by a Chinese company. This decision is part of a policy aimed at strengthening national control over the country’s energy resources.
Nigerien authorities have ordered the expulsion of three Chinese executives from oil companies and shut down a hotel owned by a Chinese company. This decision is part of a policy aimed at strengthening national control over the country’s energy resources.
An incident in a private power plant caused a nationwide blackout in Panama on Saturday night. The national power grid was severely impacted, leading to an interruption in the potable water supply. Authorities are investigating the causes of the event.
UK greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 3.6% in 2024, marking a slowdown in the pace of reduction. The end of coal usage in electricity production and the rise in electric vehicles contributed to this trend.
UK greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 3.6% in 2024, marking a slowdown in the pace of reduction. The end of coal usage in electricity production and the rise in electric vehicles contributed to this trend.
The capital of the Central African Republic, Bangui, is facing a prolonged power outage, severely disrupting economic activities and exacerbating water shortages.
The capital of the Central African Republic, Bangui, is facing a prolonged power outage, severely disrupting economic activities and exacerbating water shortages.
More than 160 senators from the right and centre have urged François Bayrou to suspend the publication of the third Multi-Year Energy Programme (PPE 3), criticizing its lack of a comprehensive vision and calling for greater parliamentary involvement in defining the energy mix.
More than 160 senators from the right and centre have urged François Bayrou to suspend the publication of the third Multi-Year Energy Programme (PPE 3), criticizing its lack of a comprehensive vision and calling for greater parliamentary involvement in defining the energy mix.

Advertising