The global condemnation of Ecuador’s government for its decision to break into the Mexican Embassy in Quito has escalated, with several leaders expressing disapproval, shock, and dismay. Mexico’s ambassador and other personnel left Quito on Sunday after the raid, which President Andrés Manuel López Obrador deemed a violation of international accords. Mexico plans to challenge the raid at the World Court in The Hague on Monday, with support from 18 countries in Latin America, 20 in Europe, and the Organization of American States.
The Spanish government and the OAS have also criticized Ecuador for violating the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations by forcefully entering the Mexican Embassy. The OAS reminded both countries of their obligation not to use domestic law to justify non-compliance with international obligations. The US State Department condemned the violation of the Vienna Convention and called on Ecuador and Mexico to resolve their differences. Diplomatic premises are considered foreign soil and should be inviolable under international treaties.
The raid at the Mexican Embassy was carried out to arrest former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas, who had sought asylum in the embassy after being indicted on corruption charges. Authorities took Glas to a maximum-security prison in Guayaquil after the raid, where his attorney reported that he was physically assaulted by officers during his arrest. He is being investigated for alleged irregularities during his management of reconstruction efforts following an earthquake in 2016. President Daniel Noboa has not publicly addressed the raid, and Ecuador’s Foreign Minister defended the decision to enter the embassy based on Glas’ alleged imminent flight risk.
Mexico granted asylum to Glas shortly before the raid, causing tension between the two countries. Ecuador’s current president, who took office amid a rise in crime linked to drug trafficking, faces potential repercussions for the raid. The raid has been deemed embarrassing for Ecuador and could lead to economic reparations being paid with Ecuadorian money. The process initiated by Mexico at the World Court is expected to take time, but it may have long-lasting consequences for Ecuador’s diplomatic relations and international standing.
