Mexico-Ecuador relations have plummeted to a new low following the forcible entry of Ecuadorian police into the Mexican embassy in Quito. The cause for this dramatic escalation was the arrest of the former Ecuadorian Vice-President Jorge Glas, who had sought asylum within the embassy’s walls. Glas, who served under democratic-socialist president Rafael Correa, faced corruption charges and claimed political persecution.
The incident has sparked international condemnation and highlighted the fragile nature of diplomatic protocols and rule of law.
Unfolding Events
Jorge Glas’ Asylum
The root cause of this situation lies in Mexico’s decision to grant political asylum to Jorge Glas who had taken asylum in the Mexican embassy last December. Glas, a prominent Ecuadorian politician, faced an arrest warrant over allegations of corruption, which he vehemently denied, citing political persecution. Mexico’s decision heavily increased tensions between the two states.
Ecuador’s Opposition
Daniel Noboa’s government in Ecuador opposed Mexico’s decision to grant asylum to Glas, labelling it an illicit act. Refusing to recognize the legitimacy of Glas’ asylum, Ecuadorian authorities decided to take matters into their own hands, leading to the unprecedented storming.
Storming of the Embassy
The situation took a drastic turn when Ecuadorian police forcibly entered the Mexican embassy in Quito to arrest Glas, ignoring the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961, which says that the premises of a diplomatic mission, such as an embassy, are inviolable, and the agents of the host country (in this case, Ecuador) cannot enter them without explicit consent of the mission’s head. This clear violation of international law has sent shockwaves across communities, with Mexico denouncing the action as a violation of its sovereignty.
Diplomatic Ties Cut
In response to the embassy incident, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador swiftly announced the suspension of diplomatic ties with Ecuador. This move solidifies the gravity of the situation, marking the breakdown of bilateral relations between the two states. The suspension of diplomatic ties marks a historically low point in Mexico-Ecuador relations.
Relations Before the Raid
Prior to the embassy storming, relations between Mexico and Ecuador had been strained, with tensions simmering over various issues. President Obrador’s remarks drawing parallels between election violence in Ecuador in 2023 and crime in Mexico leading up to its own elections only serves to further increase friction. The Mexican ambassador had been declared persona non grata and expelled from Quito, further worsening the relationship between the two states, setting the stage for the events that unfolded at the embassy.
International Reactions
The embassy raid has drawn widespread condemnation from leaders and diplomats from across the Americas. Honduran President Xiomara Castro deemed the incident “an intolerable act for the international community” and a “violation of the sovereignty of the Mexican State and international law.” The Organization of American States (OAS) has called for a meeting of its permanent council to address the issue, emphasizing the need to uphold international norms and obligations.
Legal Action
Mexico has vowed to take legal action against Ecuador, signalling its intent to pursue justice through international channels. Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Alicia Bárcena, has announced plans to bring the case before the International Court of Justice, seeking to hold Ecuador accountable for violations of international law.
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