The International Court of Justice (ICJ) announced on Thursday that Mexico had filed a case seeking provisional measures against Ecuador. This development stems from a dispute over the forceful entry of Ecuadorian authorities into the Mexican embassy in Quito, which violates the inviolability of a diplomatic mission.
The forcible entry followed the expulsion of the Mexican ambassador by Ecuador, due to comments made by Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador about the 2023 Ecuador elections. This event, occurring on April 5, led to Mexico suspending diplomatic ties with Ecuador.
In its application to the ICJ, Mexico expressed that the forcible entry was part of ongoing intimidation and harassment. Mexico argued that this was tied to the arrival of Jorge David Glas Espinel, former Ecuadorian vice-president, and his granted asylum request. According to Mexico, this incident violates its rights under both customary and conventional international law.
Mexico asked the court to award them full reparation, suspend Ecuador as a United Nations member, and to take provisional measures. Among the requested measures, Mexico proposed Ecuador to ensure the security of diplomatic premises and archives, prohibit all forms of intrusion, and allow Mexican government to secure diplomatic premises and the private residence of diplomatic agents.
The claim was lodged with the ICJ a day after the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) approved a resolution condemning the Ecuadorian police for violating the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The resolution, passed with significant support, was however rejected by the Ecuadorian Foreign Ministry, who accused Mexico of violating international law. In spite of the row, Ecuador expressed willingness to rebuild trust through constructive dialogue.
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