AGP Executive Report

Ecuador Security & Justice: Ecuador prosecutors confirmed the remains of Lizeth Bunshi, 28, were found in Quito’s Machángara River after she’d been missing for 37 days, with Cristian Villavicencio accused in an involuntary disappearance case that her family’s lawyer says should be treated as femicide. El Niño Watch: Ecuador’s climate authorities issued an active warning as El Niño strengthens, with NOAA estimating a 90%+ chance of severe conditions and forecasts pointing to heavier rains, river flooding risk, and hotter temperatures into late 2026 and early 2027. Regional Crime & U.S. Military: The U.S. carried out another “lethal kinetic strike” on a suspected drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean, killing four, as Washington expands operations across Latin America and labels targets “narco-terrorists.” Local Safety Incident: A soapbox cart race in Imbabura turned chaotic when a cart lost control and plowed into spectators, injuring eight people. Sports & Quito Connections: Ecuador’s Sergio Vasquez was signed by LAFC from Orense SC, while Ecuador also appears in international youth sports coverage, including the Black Princesses’ U-20 World Cup preparations against Ecuador.

U.S.-Ecuador security: The U.S. Southern Command says it carried out another strike on a drug-trafficking vessel in the eastern Pacific, killing two, as Washington pushes deeper cooperation with regional partners and notes Ecuador already launched similar missions with the U.S. in March. Travel advisory: The U.S. State Department updated its warnings, urging Americans to reconsider travel to Ecuador’s Manabí and Santa Elena provinces due to rising violence, while Ecuador’s tourism chamber argues the risk is concentrated in specific areas. Amazon rights and extraction: Indigenous nations meeting in Ecuador issued a Pan-Amazon mandate declaring the Amazon in “emergency,” calling for self-government, secure territories, and an end to mining, oil, agribusiness and other extraction. Trade and tech ties: Singapore and Ecuador discussed expanding cooperation in trade, food security and digitalization, aiming to strengthen supply chains and logistics. Energy and ports: DP World launched Latin America’s first shore power system at Callao’s South Terminal, cutting ship emissions while supporting Peru’s port expansion. Local economy: Ecuador’s mango supply to the U.S. faces pressure from a strong El Niño, even as Brazil’s season is expected to boost volumes.

U.S.-Ecuador Security: Ecuador’s government has approved a ministerial deal letting U.S. soldiers and contractors enter without visas and with special status, as Washington expands anti-cartel operations amid Ecuador’s ongoing security crisis. Drug War at Sea: The U.S. military carried out another eastern Pacific strike, killing two people it accused of drug trafficking, continuing a campaign that critics say lacks proof and raises legal concerns. Sanctions Linked to Ecuador: U.S. Treasury sanctions targeted an Ecuador-based cocaine network tied to Mexican cartels, while Ecuador also arrested an Albanian-linked suspected financier in a separate case. Galápagos Rescue: The Coast Guard coordinated the rescue of 27 crew from an Ecuadorian tuna vessel after a fire 527 miles southwest of the islands; all were taken to Guayaquil. Biodiversity in Ecuador: Researchers in the Llanganates-Sangay corridor documented 69 mammal species, doubling prior counts and sparking debate over development versus conservation. Local Economy & Energy: Ecuador is heading toward the dry season with electricity additions running behind schedule, even as the economy reportedly grew 2% in the first half of 2026.

U.S.-Ecuador security ties: The U.S. carried out another strike on a suspected drug-trafficking vessel in the eastern Pacific, killing two, as Washington expands its maritime campaign; Ecuador has already launched joint missions with the U.S. Cybersecurity cooperation: Resecurity and Ecuador’s National Police cyber unit (CiberPOL) signed an MoU to boost prevention, detection, and investigation of cybercrimes. Diplomacy and trade: Ecuador President Daniel Noboa is in Singapore for state talks, with a new development cooperation agreement covering trade, education, governance, digitalization, and public health; the China-Ecuador free trade deal is also boosting Ecuadorian banana exports. Amazon conservation: Indigenous women in Ecuador are planting trees for birds and growing cacao while protecting forests through community-led programs. Sports (Ecuador in focus): Ghana’s Black Princesses open their U-20 World Cup campaign against Ecuador on Sept. 6, while Ecuador’s national intelligence chief was among victims of a Kenya helicopter crash that also killed Telemundo executives. Quito-relevant note: The city’s church community in La Reja (Argentina) is replacing damaged seminary bells—an international cultural item, but not a local Quito development.

Ecuador–U.S. Security: The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Ecuadorian fishing vessels tied to a cocaine network linked to Mexican cartels, as authorities step up operations against drug trafficking. UN Diplomacy: Ecuador’s diplomat Ivonne Baki is among the candidates in the race to succeed António Guterres, with the Security Council holding a second straw poll that keeps the top spot contested. Climate Watch: The UK Met Office warns the next El Niño could be the strongest on record, with 2027 on track to be the hottest year ever—raising stakes for Ecuador’s weather and disaster planning. Civic Space: Amnesty International urges Ecuador to drop legal and financial penalties against activists tied to the 2023 Yasuní Referendum, warning of a broader crackdown on civic space. Sports (Quito/Guayaquil): FIFA set the 2027 Women’s World Cup playoff preliminary fixtures, with Ecuador drawn into the group stage; meanwhile, judo action continues in Guayaquil as cadets compete for medals. Bilateral Ties: President Daniel Noboa begins a two-day state visit to Singapore, aiming to deepen cooperation in agri-trade, logistics, digitalization, and development.

UN Diplomacy: Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett moved into first place after the UN Security Council’s second secret straw poll for the next secretary-general, with Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan close behind and no clear winner yet. Climate Watch: The UK Met Office warns the next El Niño could be the strongest on record, pushing 2027 toward the hottest year ever and raising risks for heat, drought and heavy rain. Ecuador-Asia Ties: President Daniel Noboa begins a two-day state visit to Singapore, aiming to deepen cooperation on agri-trade, logistics and digitalisation, with new development and capacity-building agreements. Civic Space & Environment: Amnesty International urges Ecuador to drop legal and financial penalties against Yasuní referendum activists, calling it a crackdown on civic space. Sports (Women’s World Cup): FIFA set preliminary playoff fixtures for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, with Ecuador drawn into the same group as Ghana. Science & Nature: Ecuador’s Inabio reports new Amazon micromollusk species and a first record of the Habeastrum genus in Ecuador.

U-20 Women’s World Cup: Ghana’s Black Princesses open their campaign against Ecuador on Sunday, Sept. 6, at Arena Sosnowiec, with coach Charles Sampson warning of a major injury crisis that has already ruled out seven players, including captain Linda Owusu Ansah. UN diplomacy: The UN Security Council’s second straw poll for the next secretary-general continues behind closed doors, with Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne A-Baki among those receiving “encouraged” votes as the race narrows. Ecuador-U.S. security: The U.S. Treasury sanctioned an Ecuador-based cocaine network using fishing vessels to move drugs toward Mexico, and the broader Ecuador-U.S. anti-cartel cooperation faces fresh scrutiny. Climate watch: Britain’s Met Office warns El Niño could be the strongest on record, pushing 2027 toward the hottest year ever—an issue Ecuador will feel through weather extremes. Sports in Ecuador: Cadet judo’s World Championships are underway in Guayaquil, where Ukrainian Kseniia Kyrylchuk won silver.

UN Secretary-General Race: Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett surged to the top in the UN Security Council’s second straw poll, edging ahead of Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan and Argentina’s Rafael Grossi as the closed-door vote continues to shape momentum toward the 2027 job. Ecuador-US Sanctions: The U.S. Treasury sanctioned an Ecuador-based cocaine network tied to violent groups and Mexican cartels, naming 15 entities and 10 fishing vessels allegedly used to move drugs from Ecuador toward Mexico. Kenya Helicopter Crash: Investigators in Samburu say fire-damaged wreckage is complicating evidence recovery in the crash that killed Ecuador’s intelligence chief Michele Sensi-Contugi and five Americans; Kenya pledged to speed preliminary probes and support repatriation. Travel Safety: The U.S. issued an “increased caution” advisory for Ecuador, warning of violent crime, kidnappings and armed robberies in areas linked to transnational criminal groups. Local Life & Culture: Ecuador’s partial lunar eclipse is set for Aug. 27, with viewing details shared for Quito and beyond.

UN Secretary-General Race: Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett surged to the top in the UN Security Council’s second secret straw poll, winning 8 “encourage” votes, narrowly ahead of Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan (7) and Argentina’s Rafael Grossi (7), as the process narrows toward a formal recommendation before Antonio Guterres leaves office on Dec. 31. Ecuador–U.S. Anti-Drug Push: The U.S. Treasury sanctioned an Ecuador-based fishing fleet tied to cocaine smuggling toward Mexico, while Ecuador and the U.S. also announced joint operations against cartels near Colombia’s border, including expanded maritime patrols from Manta. Ecuador Security Warning: The U.S. State Department issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Ecuador, citing violent crime, kidnappings, and extortion in areas frequented by tourists, including parts of Guayaquil and coastal provinces. Climate Watch: The UK Met Office warned El Niño could become the strongest on record, with 2027 expected to be the hottest year in modern observations. Local Spotlight (Quito): Registration is underway for the Centerpoint Half Marathon and 5K, with proceeds supporting missions that include Ecuador.

El Niño Watch: Britain’s Met Office says the coming El Niño could be the biggest in over a century, with Pacific waters peaking more than 3°C above normal and 2027 “very likely” to become the hottest year on record—raising alarms for drought and storms, including impacts for Peru and Ecuador. UN Secretary-General Race: The UN Security Council is holding a second informal straw poll to narrow contenders to replace António Guterres, with Ecuador’s Maria Fernanda Espinosa and Ivonne A-Baki among the field, while the U.S. and UNGA president Annalena Baerbock clash over calls for more transparency. U.S. Sanctions on Ecuador Drug Routes: The U.S. Treasury sanctioned 15 people and companies and blocked 10 Ecuador-based fishing vessels tied to cocaine shipments linked to Los Choneros and Los Lobos, using Manta-area fleets to transfer drugs toward Mexico. Quito Sports & Region: Ghana’s Black Queens were drawn against Ecuador, Uzbekistan and Papua New Guinea in the 2027 Women’s World Cup playoff opener. Ecuador in the Spotlight: Ecuador’s intelligence chief Michele Sensi-Contugi died in a Kenya helicopter crash, prompting questions about the trip and Ecuador’s security ties with the U.S.

Ecuador–U.S. Drug War: The U.S. Treasury sanctioned 15 Ecuador-based individuals/entities and blocked 10 vessels tied to a cocaine network allegedly moving thousands of kilos monthly from Ecuador to Mexico and then into the U.S., with links to Ecuador gangs Los Choneros and Los Lobos and Mexican cartels. Security Cooperation: Ecuador confirmed U.S. joint anti-narco operations with Ecuadorian forces near the Colombian border, including U.S. Black Hawk helicopters and warships arriving to help control trafficking routes along the coast. Kenya Helicopter Tragedy: Ecuador’s intelligence chief Michele Sensi-Contugi, his wife Stephany Hollihan, and five Americans died in a safari helicopter crash near Mt Ololokwe in Samburu; Ecuador is coordinating repatriation via its South Africa embassy. UN Leadership Race: Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne A-Baki formally criticized Security Council deadlock and pushed for reform, while the council prepares another straw poll for the next UN secretary-general. Quito Sports: LDU Quito host Mirassol in the Libertadores round of 16 second leg after a 1-1 draw, with the tie finely poised.

Kenya Helicopter Tragedy: Ecuador’s intelligence chief Michele Sensi-Contugi, his wife Stephany Hollihan, and five Americans were among seven killed when a charter safari helicopter crashed near Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County; Kenya’s aviation investigators are probing the cause after a fire and difficult terrain hampered recovery. National Mourning: President Daniel Noboa ordered three days of mourning and security protection for Sensi-Contugi’s children via executive decree. China-Ecuador Trade Push: China became Ecuador’s second-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade up over 20% year-on-year in the first half; leaders also signed a roadmap covering trade, investment, agriculture, e-commerce, and sustainable development. Port & Trade Connectivity: DP World’s Port of Posorja won a 2026 AAPA LATAM port excellence award for public-private partnership, marking a second straight year of recognition. Sports (Women’s World Cup): Ghana’s Black Queens will face Ecuador, Uzbekistan, and Papua New Guinea in the first phase of the 2027 Women’s World Cup playoff qualification. Public Safety & Crime: Ecuador recorded 4,882 homicides between January and July 2026, the second-highest period in recent history, with Guayas the hardest hit.

Tragedy in Kenya: A safari helicopter crash near Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County killed all seven people aboard, including Ecuador’s intelligence chief Michele Sensi-Contugi and his wife, plus five Americans (including Telemundo executive José Alberto Suárez). Kenya’s civil aviation authority says an investigation is underway, while Ecuador’s president Daniel Noboa declared three days of national mourning and ordered flags at half-mast. Ecuador-China ties: In Beijing, President Noboa met Chinese leaders as China pledged deeper cooperation on trade, energy, mining, infrastructure, and emerging tech like 5G and AI, with both sides highlighting expanded investment and agricultural imports. UN secretary-general race: Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne Baki entered the contest after Tonga submitted her candidacy, adding another Global South bridge-builder to the Security Council’s voting process. Science in Ecuador: Researchers formally recognized Ecuador’s Milpe robber frog as a distinct species after more than a century of confusion. Mining update: Titan Minerals reported a new gold-silver intercept at its Dynasty project in southern Ecuador, pointing to a shear-hosted zone that could expand resources.

Ecuador–China Diplomacy: President Daniel Noboa met China’s top leaders in Beijing, with Xi Jinping urging stronger alignment on development strategies and Belt and Road cooperation, plus new deals on green industries, trade, the digital economy, and people-to-people ties. UN Secretary-General Race: Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne A-Baki has entered the race to replace António Guterres, nominated by Tonga as the eighth candidate, adding fresh Latin American representation to the field. Sports—Quito’s Global Footprint: Ecuador-linked midfielder Johan Martinez is set for a Newcastle United move from Independiente del Valle, while Ecuador’s Ivonne Baki and other Ecuador stories continue to surface internationally. Local/Community Spotlight: A $250,000 donation from J.D. Irving is backing Rothesay’s intergenerational community complex project, aiming for a 2029 opening. Opinion/Policy Debate: Rights of Nature is getting fresh attention as a climate tool, with Colorado used as a reference point for how legal rights for ecosystems could reshape environmental outcomes.

Ecuador–China Diplomacy: President Daniel Noboa met Xi Jinping in Beijing, with both sides signing deals on green industries, digital transformation, trade, and people’s livelihoods, while Xi urged stronger alignment of development strategies and Belt and Road cooperation. UN Leadership Race: Ecuador’s Ivonne A-Baki was nominated by Tonga as a candidate for the next UN secretary-general, joining a field of eight as the world body prepares to replace António Guterres at year-end. Regional Security & Travel: The U.S. updated travel advisories, keeping Ecuador and Bolivia at “Level 2” for increased caution, as Washington flags risks that could affect Americans. Colombia Earthquake Fallout: One week after a 7.4 quake, Colombia’s death toll and missing figures keep shifting amid ongoing rescue efforts and a looming reconstruction bill—an impact felt across the region, including Ecuador. Human Rights & Crime: Ecuador authorities reported a child trafficking case involving alleged servile marriage, underscoring ongoing concerns about child marriage and exploitation.

Ecuador–China Diplomacy: President Daniel Noboa met Xi Jinping in Beijing, where Xi urged both sides to protect Latin America’s “zone of peace” and warned against “outside interference,” while also calling for closer alignment on development plans and Belt and Road cooperation. Trade & Logistics: DP World launched a new direct weekly Asia shipping service through Port of Posorja, aiming to cut reliance on transshipment and give Ecuadorian exporters faster routes to key markets. Colombia Earthquake Aftermath: A 7.4-magnitude quake in western Colombia has killed more than 280 people, with rescue teams still searching as hopes fade for many missing. Sports—U-20 Women’s World Cup: Ghana’s Black Princesses arrived in Poland for preparations, with the Ghanaian ambassador urging pride and support ahead of the tournament opener against Ecuador on Sept. 6. El Niño Watch: Global forecasts say El Niño is strengthening toward a “very strong” event, raising risks for tropical crops and commodity prices worldwide.