Mexico to Break Diplomatic Ties with Ecuador After Police Break Into Embassy

In a sudden turn of events, Mexico’s President Andrés Manuel López Obrador announced on Friday April 6 evening the severance of diplomatic ties with Ecuador. This decision came in response to a dramatic incident where Ecuadorian police forcefully entered the Mexican embassy in Quito and detained former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas, who had sought political asylum there.

The breach of the Mexican embassy by Ecuadorian police has sparked a deepening diplomatic rift between the two nations. This action was denounced by Mexico's Presidency as an infringement on international law and the sovereign rights of Mexico. Alicia Bárcena, Mexico's secretary of foreign relations, further condemned the violation, highlighting that several diplomats had sustained injuries during the altercation, in clear violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

International Outcry

International observers have criticized Ecuador's actions as a brazen breach of the Vienna Conventions on Consular Relations, emphasizing that it is likely to significantly strain the relationship between Mexico and Ecuador. Roberto Canseco, head of the Mexican consular section in Quito, expressed disbelief, stating, “This is not possible, it cannot be, this is crazy,” while also raising concerns for the safety of former Vice President Glas.

The tension between Mexico and Ecuador had escalated prior to this incident, following remarks made by President López Obrador regarding the recent Ecuadorian elections, a move that was viewed as inconsiderate by the Ecuadorian government. In response, Ecuador declared the Mexican ambassador persona non grata, setting the stage for the subsequent embassy intrusion and the detention of Vice President Glas.

As the fallout from these events unfolds, the Mexican embassy in Quito remains under heavy police guard. While Mexico has severed diplomatic ties with Ecuador, the full extent of the ramifications on bilateral relations and the status of Vice President Glas is yet to be determined. The Ecuadorian foreign ministry and ministry of the interior have not provided immediate comments on the situation.