The diplomatic conflict between Mexico and Ecuador escalated after Mexico granted asylum to Ecuador’s former Vice President Jorge Glas, who had been convicted of corruption charges. Ecuador responded by storming Mexico’s embassy in Quito, arresting Glas, and imprisoning him. Ecuador filed a complaint with the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Mexico of obstructing justice and making false statements that interfered in its internal affairs. Mexico cut diplomatic ties with Ecuador following the incident and is seeking an apology from Ecuador.
Mexico’s decision to grant asylum to Glas and the subsequent raid on its embassy in Quito violated international agreements on political asylum and diplomatic relations, according to Ecuador. The Ecuadorian government argued that Mexico’s actions were in violation of various conventions and treaties, including the Convention on Political Asylum of 1933 and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961. Ecuador also accused Mexico of breaching the principles of the UN charter and the Organization of American States.
The raid on Mexico’s embassy in Quito, which was captured on security camera footage, triggered criticism from leaders across the region for violating the long-established rule of inviolability of diplomatic missions. Embassies are traditionally considered protected spaces that are off-limits to local authorities without invitation, allowing political dissidents and others to seek refuge. Mexico retaliated by cutting diplomatic ties with Ecuador and seeking suspension of Ecuador from the UN pending an apology, with hearings scheduled to begin at the ICJ.
Ecuadorian authorities remained defiant in response to Mexico’s actions, filing a complaint with the ICJ accusing Mexico of violating international law and various conventions. President Daniel Noboa’s government argued that Mexico’s treatment of Glas and the embassy raid were in contradiction to established diplomatic norms and agreements. The Secretary-General of the Organization of American States expressed concern over the situation, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution and condemning the use of force or the detention of an asylee. Mexico had not responded immediately to Ecuador’s filing at the ICJ.
The ongoing diplomatic conflict between Mexico and Ecuador highlights the complex nature of international relations and the importance of respecting diplomatic protocols and agreements. The dispute over the asylum granted to a former official convicted of corruption has led to a breakdown in diplomatic ties and legal action at the United Nations’ highest court. Both countries are now awaiting a resolution to the conflict as they navigate the implications of their actions on the international stage.
