Bonil is a renowned political cartoonist who has worked for numerous national newspapers. His cartoons have been exhibited around the world and he has received many international awards. Having exposed corruption in his cartoons, he has been the target of threats and political pressure on several occasions.
After cartooning daily for more than 30 years for El Universo, one of the country’s leading newspapers, Bonil resigned after the paper refused to publish six of his cartoons without providing any explanation. His last cartoon was published on 24 March.
Bonil’s cartoons, which were not published, dealt in particular with the electricity crisis affecting the country, the murder of journalist Robinson del Pezo, and scandals involving the judiciary. These decisions were taken without prior consultation and follow the newspaper’s takeover by an investment group in February 2026.
This end to the collaboration raises questions about the pluralism and independence of the Ecuadorian press. The Ecuadorian media landscape is indeed marked by successive media takeovers and economic pressure being exerted on editorial teams. The refusal to publish several cartoons dealing with matters of public interest within a short timeframe raises concerns about the nature of these decisions.
Cartooning for Peace emphasises that media pluralism and independence are essential safeguards of freedom of expression. Press cartoonists must be able to practise their profession freely, without being subjected to pressure, whether economic or political.
Translation of the cartoon : “Thank you, dear readers, for these past 31 years of patience, camaraderie, freedom of expression, the freedom to disagree, and for sharing smiles! I bid farewell to these pages of EL UNIVERSO!”
