Ecuador found itself in the middle of a diplomatic crisis after its police forces stormed the Mexican embassy in Quito, causing tension between the two countries. The incident, which occurred on the evening of October 28th, 2021, has raised concerns about Ecuador’s commitment to international law and diplomatic protocols.
The Mexican embassy in Quito has been a source of controversy in recent months, as it has been providing shelter to seven anti-government protesters from Ecuador who were seeking asylum. The Ecuadorian government had demanded that the Mexican government extradite the asylum seekers, accusing them of inciting violence and destabilizing the country. However, Mexico had refused to comply, citing international law and human rights obligations.
The situation came to a head when Ecuadorian police surrounded the Mexican embassy and demanded access to the premises to detain the asylum seekers. Despite protests from the Mexican ambassador and diplomatic staff, the police broke into the embassy, resulting in a tense standoff between the two countries. The Mexican government condemned the actions of the Ecuadorian police as a violation of international law and a breach of diplomatic immunity.
The incident sparked widespread outrage and condemnation from the international community, with many countries calling for Ecuador to respect diplomatic norms and uphold the sanctity of embassies. The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, expressed his concern over the situation and urged both countries to resolve the issue peacefully.
In response to the crisis, Ecuador’s President, Guillermo Lasso, issued a public apology to Mexico and ordered an investigation into the incident. He assured that those responsible for the breach of the embassy would be held accountable and that Ecuador would uphold its commitments to international law and diplomatic protocols.
The diplomatic crisis has strained relations between Ecuador and Mexico, two countries that have traditionally maintained friendly ties. The incident has also raised questions about Ecuador’s respect for human rights and the rule of law, as well as its handling of political asylum cases.
As both countries work to de-escalate the situation and repair their diplomatic ties, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding international norms and respecting the sanctity of embassies. It is crucial for governments to abide by the principles of diplomatic immunity and ensure the safety and security of diplomatic personnel and premises. Ultimately, the resolution of this crisis will require both countries to engage in dialogue and diplomacy to prevent further escalation and preserve diplomatic relations.
