Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa has requested aid from Colombia to address Ecuador’s electricity crisis, which has imposed severe power cuts affecting households since September 23. During a TV interview, Noboa acknowledged declining public support ahead of the February 2025 elections and emphasized the need for immediate action, as Colombia previously suspended energy sales due to its own drought.
Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa has reached out to Colombia for assistance in managing the severe electricity crisis currently affecting Ecuador. Since September 23, power outages have imposed hardships on households, resulting in blackouts lasting up to 14 hours a day. Acknowledging the potential impact of this crisis on his public image, especially with elections approaching on February 9, 2025, Noboa expressed the necessity for collaboration during a recent television interview. He called upon Colombian President Gustavo Petro to provide support, emphasizing the urgency of receiving energy supplies from Colombia, which had suspended sales on October 1 due to its own drought challenges. During the interview, Noboa 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 referred to Petro’s earlier comments advocating solidarity among Latin American nations, which underscores the regional cooperation that could mitigate the effects of Ecuador’s electricity crisis caused by drought conditions. Noboa also acknowledged his declining popularity, citing survey results indicating dissatisfaction among citizens due to the ongoing blackouts. He stated that while many citizens recognize the situation’s complexity, they demand immediate actions to restore normalcy. The President assured that, by December, the situation would be under control, allowing citizens to return to their routines. As the leader of a government nearing its 18-month mark, Noboa, aged 36, has positioned himself as a frontrunner in 2025 electoral preferences according to earlier polls, despite being one of at least 15 candidates. His administration’s ability to address the current crisis may significantly influence his political future and the upcoming elections.
The electricity crisis in Ecuador is a result of prolonged drought conditions that have severely limited the country’s ability to generate hydroelectric power—its primary source of electricity. Since September 23, the resulting power cuts have severely affected daily life, prompting urgent calls for both domestic and regional solutions. The role of Colombia as a neighboring country capable of providing energy assistance is critical, especially as they have previously supplied Ecuador with electricity. However, Colombia’s own situation, compounded by drought, has led to a halt in energy exports since October 1. President Noboa’s appeal highlights the intertwined fates of these two nations in response to environmental challenges and economic interdependence. Additionally, Noboa’s concerns over his electoral standing suggest that the effectiveness of his government’s response to this crisis could have significant implications for his political future.
In summary, President Daniel Noboa of Ecuador is actively seeking collaboration with Colombia to navigate a significant electricity crisis exacerbated by drought. His appeal to Colombian President Gustavo Petro underscores both a regional interdependence and the critical need for immediate solutions as the upcoming elections loom. Noboa’s acknowledgment of his fading popularity further illustrates the challenge he faces to regain public trust through effective governance and crisis management.
Original Source: en.mercopress.com
