Mexico and Ecuador are embroiled in a diplomatic dispute over the granting of asylum by Mexico to Ecuador’s former Vice President, Jorge Glas. Ecuador had convicted Glas of corruption, and Mexico granted him asylum, causing tension between the two countries. When Ecuador stormed Mexico’s embassy in Quito to arrest Glas, Mexico cut diplomatic ties with Ecuador and filed a complaint with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to sanction Ecuador for violating diplomatic norms and the principle of inviolability of embassies.
Ecuador’s complaint to the ICJ accused Mexico of obstructing justice, making false statements about Ecuador’s elections, and breaching the principle of noninterference in the internal affairs of other states. The dispute escalated when Ecuador declared Mexico’s ambassador persona non grata. Mexico also filed a complaint with the ICJ to suspend Ecuador from the United Nations pending a formal apology. Mexico argued that Ecuador’s actions violated international laws and agreements related to political and diplomatic asylum, corruption, and diplomatic relations.
Mexican authorities released security camera footage showing Ecuadorian police breaking into the Mexican embassy in Quito to arrest Glas, which drew criticism from leaders in the region for violating international diplomatic norms. Embassies are generally considered off-limits to local authorities without invitation, under the rule of inviolability. This incident led to Mexico severing diplomatic ties with Ecuador, further escalating the conflict between the two countries.
Ecuadorian authorities remained defiant in response to Mexico’s actions, filing a complaint listing various international agreements and conventions that Mexico had allegedly violated. The Inter-American Convention against Corruption and the United Nations Convention against Corruption were among the agreements cited in Ecuador’s complaint against Mexico. The Organization of American States also weighed in on the situation, expressing concern over the use of force and illegal incursion into diplomatic missions.
The ongoing diplomatic spat between Mexico and Ecuador has strained relations between the two countries and raised concerns about the violation of international laws and diplomatic norms. The ICJ is set to begin hearings on both countries’ complaints, which will likely further exacerbate the tensions between Mexico and Ecuador. The conflict underscores the importance of upholding diplomatic protocols and respecting the sovereignty of diplomatic missions to prevent further escalation of disputes between nations.
