Ecuador’s President Noboa Seeks Colombian Support Amid Energy Crisis

Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa has requested aid from Colombia to alleviate an electricity crisis causing extensive blackouts. He acknowledged the affect on his popularity and voiced a commitment to resolving the issue before December. Noboa expressed gratitude toward Colombia’s support while noting the crisis resulted from a shared drought scenario. His leadership is critical as he approaches the 2025 elections amidst declining trust from the public.

Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa has formally requested assistance from Colombia in addressing the ongoing electricity crisis that has resulted in power cuts lasting up to 14 hours a day for citizens since September 23. In a television interview, President Noboa acknowledged the impact of the crisis on his popularity in light of the upcoming elections scheduled for February 9, 2025. During discussions about a forthcoming meeting with Colombian President Gustavo Petro at the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) in Cali, Noboa articulated his need for energy support from Colombia, suggesting that such assistance would be greatly appreciated even if it comes at a cost. He referenced Petro’s recent statements about Latin American solidarity and remarked, “I saw there in the press that (Petro) was talking about helping Ecuador; the first one should be him. We would be very grateful and it is not free, it is that he sells (energy).” He also noted that despite surveys indicating a decline in his approval ratings due to the electricity shortages, many citizens are still looking for reasons to regain confidence in his administration. “The vast majority of people know that it is not our fault how we got to this point, but they want to see action, and this is going to be resolved soon,” Noboa expressed, emphasizing a commitment to restoring normalcy by early December. As a relatively new leader, having taken office on November 23 of last year, Noboa was previously leading in the polls for the 2025 presidential race but now faces increased challenges amid the crisis.

The request for assistance from Colombia stems from a severe electricity crisis impacting Ecuador, primarily driven by a significant drought affecting hydropower generation. This crisis has resulted in an extended duration of blackouts across the country, straining both the population and Noboa’s government. The situation is further complicated by Colombia’s own drought, which prompted the suspension of energy exports to Ecuador on October 1. As the electricity shortages continue, the urgency for inter-country cooperation becomes imperative, particularly with upcoming elections which may influence governance and public perception. President Noboa’s leadership and response to the crisis are crucial, as surveys indicate a dip in his popularity, which he aims to rectify by demonstrating effective management of the situation.

In summary, President Daniel Noboa’s request for energy assistance from Colombia highlights the critical conditions faced by Ecuador due to an ongoing electricity crisis exacerbated by drought conditions. He is navigating a challenging political landscape as he seeks to restore his popularity and stability within the country. The outcome of his negotiations with President Petro at the COP16 in Cali will be pivotal for addressing the immediate needs of Ecuador’s electricity supply and may have lasting implications for Noboa’s political future as well.

Original Source: en.mercopress.com