The diplomatic rift between Mexico and Ecuador has taken a new turn following the filing of a lawsuit with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Ecuador. The lawsuit came on the heels of a raid on the Mexican embassy in Quito last Friday. The raid targeted former Ecuadorian vice president Jorge Glas, who was granted asylum in Mexico but wanted on corruption charges by the Mexican government.
Mexico is demanding a public apology from Ecuador for violating international law and seeking their suspension from the United Nations (UN) if one isn’t issued. Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena stated the lawsuit aims to “guarantee reparation for the moral damage” inflicted on Mexico.
The embassy raid on April 5th sparked international outrage. Mexico responded by severing diplomatic ties and withdrawing its diplomats from Ecuador. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador emphasized that the lawsuit’s purpose is to “prevent this from happening again in any country.”
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa defended the raid, claiming Glas posed a flight risk. He expressed willingness to “resolve any difference” with Mexico.
The Hague-based ICJ confirmed receiving the application. The UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson clarified that suspending a member state requires action from other member states. They urged Mexico and Ecuador to resolve the issue through dialogue.
While a full hearing could take years, Mexico additionally requested “provisional measures” from the ICJ. These temporary orders aim to protect Mexican diplomatic personnel in Ecuador.
The 1961 Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations was cited by various countries, including the United States, the European Union, and several Latin American nations, who all condemned the embassy raid.
Latin American leaders plan a virtual conference next week to discuss the raid and consider sanctions against Ecuador. Honduran President Xiomara Castro chairs the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, which is proposing a strong condemnation of Ecuador’s actions.
Adding another layer to the already complex issue, German officials recently confirmed that Glas holds German citizenship. And that they are seeking contact with him through Ecuador.
Glas, previously imprisoned for corruption, faced a new warrant for allegedly diverting funds intended for reconstruction after the 2016 earthquake. After his capture, he was first sent to a troubled prison and later hospitalized due to a hunger strike. His friend and former president, Rafael Correa, known to have fled the country in order not to serve an 8-year jail term, oftentimes expresses his views about Ecuador on social media.
His social media expressions have caught the ire of the government, with Ecuador’s labor minister suing Correa for treason. He also seeks to suspend his social media accounts for “exaggerating the situation and issuing messages that put the troops and the civilian population in anxiety.” Reacting to the allegations, Correa accused President Noboa of betraying the country.
The situation remains tense, with legal and political battles unfolding on multiple fronts and Mexico severing diplomatic ties with Ecuador.
