Latin American News Roundup April
As specialist logistics service providers to and from the region, Envío has summarised a few recent items of Latin American news from this month.
Argentina – Demonstrations Against Education Spending Cuts
Argentina has witnessed huge demonstrations, protesting against President Milei’s education spending cuts. Students and university professors were joined by the country’s powerful trade unions and opposition political parties, with claims that more than 500,000 people took part in one Buenos Aires protest.
Colombia – Drought Leads To Water Shortages
Around ten million residents of the country’s capital have been forced to ration water amid crippling shortages and reservoir levels being at their lowest point in decades. Officials have split Bogota into nine zones, with each zone taking turns to switch off water services for 24 hours. A lack of rain and unusual heat has seen the city’s main reservoir fall to less than 17% capacity.
Ecuador – Severe Drought Leads To Power Cuts
A severe drought has led to major power cuts in Ecuador, as many of its major cities have gone without electricity for hours on end. The country relies on hydroelectric sources, which means the natural flow water in its rivers generates the majority of its electricity. The lack of rain in the Andean region has been linked to the El Niño weather pattern. The power shortage has been made worse by Colombia’s decision to halt energy exports to Ecuador as it prioritises its own needs during the drought.
Haiti – Prime Minister Resigns
Haiti’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry resigned this month after armed groups blocked his return to the country from Kenya. Gangs are now understood to control most of the capital – Port-au-Prince – having capitalised on the power vacuum left by the prime minister’s exit and expanded their control, leaving much of the country lawless. A new transitional presidential council has been installed to replace the outgoing prime minister.
