Ecuadorian Diplomatic Crisis: The Raid on Mexico's Embassy and Its Global Impact
Ecuadorian police raid Mexico's embassy in Quito, arresting former Vice-President Jorge Glas. Mexico grants him asylum, leading to a diplomatic standoff. The incident reflects political tensions between the countries and raises concerns about adherence to diplomatic norms. Regional powers condemn Ecuador's actions, highlighting potential violations of the Vienna Convention. The situation underscores broader issues of corruption, law enforcement, and political instability in Latin America.
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CQ Press Lecture Spark APRIL 8, 2024 Connecting current events to your International Relations classroom
Ecuador Raids Mexicos Embassy On Friday, April 5thEcuadorian police and soldiers raided Mexico s embassy in Quito, the Ecuadorian capital city. Upon storming the embassy police arrested former Ecuadorian Vice-President Jorge Glas. Mr. Glas took refuge at the embassy in December and on the day of the raid had been granted political asylum by Mexico. From 2013 to 2017 Glas served as vice-president under leftist President Rafael Correa before being sent to prison for six years. Mr. Glas was convicted of corruption for taking $13.5 million in bribes from Odebrecht, a major Brazilian construction company. Glas was released from prison in November and Ecuadorian authorities subsequently issued an arrest warrant on additional charges of corruption. Mr. Glas took refuge at the embassy because of the latest allegations. What happened in Ecuador? 2
Ecuador Raids Mexicos Embassy Upon being apprehended Glas was transferred to a maximum- security prison. Meanwhile Glas denies the latest allegations and says they are politically motivated. Mr. Glas has been convicted twice already for corruption. Ecuador claims that it was justified to carry out the raid because Mexico was harboring a fugitive and as a result violated the immunities and privileges granted to diplomatic missions. In response Mexico plans to file a case against Ecuador at the International Court of Justice. Several countries throughout the world condemned Ecuador's actions including regional powers in South America such as Brazil and Argentina. Those countries critical of Ecuador s raid argue it is a violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Why does Mr. Glas believe he was arrested? 3
Background and Key Concepts Ecuador's raid on Mexico s embassy is just the latest in a series of diplomatic spats between the two Latin American countries. Two days prior to the raid Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador made comments comparing violence in the lead up to the 2023 Ecuadorian Presidential election to crime in Mexico ahead of the country's elections. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa and his administration did not welcome those remarks and on Thursday ordered the Mexican ambassador to leave the country. The next day Mexico granted political asylum to Jorge Glas after analyzing his case. Due to the raid Mexico has cut off diplomatic ties with Ecuador and in a show of solidarity with Mexico, Nicaragua has followed suit. President Noboa, a center-right leader, came to power back in November upon former President Guillermo Lasso calling for early elections because he faced impeachment due to accusations of embezzlement. Analysists believe that the raid on the Mexican embassy was done for political reasons. President Noboa has seen his popularity slide from 85% to 74% due to an increase in violence. Later this month Ecuadorians will be deciding whether they will grant additional security measures to the government to combat gangs who are fighting for control of the drug trade. The arrest of former vice-president Glas sends a message to the Ecuadorian people that President Noboa is a law-and-order politician focused on restoring stability. It remains unclear what impact Ecuador s raid on the Mexican embassy will have between the two countries long term. Thousands of Ecuadorians pass through Mexico on their way to the U.S. southern border every year and Mexican cartels operate within Ecuador. 4
Assessment Writing: What is the significance of Ecuador s raid on the Mexican embassy? Debate: What is the best way to reduce tensions between Mexico and Ecuador? Poll:Was Ecuador justified in raiding Mexico s embassy? Short Answer: What are the ramifications of Mexico and Ecuador not having diplomatic relations? 5
