On July 1, the renowned Ecuadorian Marxist intellectual Mario Unda (1957–2026) passed away in Quito. He was known for his analyses of the current state of Ecuador’s sociopolitical reality, his studies on social movements, the workers’ struggle, and urban life, as well as his literary work in short stories and poetry.
But his life was not confined to academia; rather, he linked his academic work to the struggle of Ecuador’s poorest people. His role as an activist in the Ecuadorian revolutionary left constantly drove him to show solidarity with various social groups – with whom he maintained a deep bond of brotherhood – such as the Indigenous movement, the labor unions, and the student movement.
He worked side by side with workers’ organizations, becoming one of their most dedicated advocates, just as he did with Indigenous organizations, all of which paid tribute to him at his wake held in the Che Guevara Auditorium at the Central University of Ecuador.
Unda also distinguished himself as a university professor at that institution and at other universities, where he taught for several decades and left a profound mark on Ecuadorian sociological studies; he is considered one of the most important intellectuals in the field’s history.
The Ecuadorian Confederation of Class-Based Unitary Workers’ Organizations (CEDOCUT), one of the country’s two most important labor federations, issued a statement on the matter: “The earth roars in the Andes; the people rise up and march; the Central University weeps; the neighborhoods sing to you. Sociologist of the humble people, teacher of consciousness, your pen does not bite the dust.”
For its part, the other major labor federation, the Ecuadorian Confederation of Free Trade Union Organizations (CEOSL), stated: “We deeply mourn the irreparable loss of our comrade Mario Unda, an organic intellectual committed to the struggle of social organizations, who dedicated his work to strengthening the labor movement. May the pain of his passing be transformed into a horizon of struggle.”
Quito’s progressive mayor, Pabel Muñoz, expressed his sorrow at the news on X: “I deeply mourn the passing of Mario Unda, sociologist, professor at the Central University, and also a professor and colleague at the Catholic University. Quito and the country have lost a committed, critical thinker who was generous with his students. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire academic community that mourns his passing today.”
For its part, the Latin American Council of Social Sciences (CLACSO) stated in an official communiqué: “Mario was a keen analyst of social movements, the world of work, and urban conflict in his country. His theoretical clarity, always intertwined with militant commitment and popular causes, leaves an indelible mark on critical thought in Latin America and the Caribbean.”
Thus, one of the most important minds in the struggle of the Ecuadorian left – which continues to insist on transforming the reality of a country that is shamefully unequal, dangerous, and uncertain for the vast majority of the Ecuadorian people – has passed away. The name Mario Unda will be linked not only to academic thought but also to the necessary revolutionary political practice demanded by an era that, as Silvio Rodríguez stated, “is giving birth to a heart … and we must rush to its aid / for the future is crumbling.”
Zoe. , July 8, 2026
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