Narrations on Memory, Forgetfulness and the "Comission for Truth"

Abstract

This article makes a critical analysis of the notions of memory and forgetfulness on the work produced by the “Comisión de la Verdad” [“Commission for Truth” in Ecuador] since 2007. This analysis seeks to clarify disputes and alternative uses of memory based on conversations with ex-guerrilla from Alfaro Vive Carajo*, collected when the author was head researcher of the said Commission. In the article, the author seeks as well to deduce how some sort of memory emerged from said narrations as new consequences of the remembrance: memories that challenge presence, limitations and death. This is a certain kind of me- mory which establishes a distance between itself and the official-patrimonial perception which builds the official memory; therefore it also keeps distance with forgetfulness, which is set officially as well.