ICJ Rejects Mexico’s Precautionary Measures Against Ecuador

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) dismissed the precautionary measures proposed by Mexico against Ecuador, following the latter’s attack against the Mexican Embassy in Ecuadorian territory. President Lopez Obrador also refused to dialogue with Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, stressing that the conflict will only be resolved through the ICJ.

On April 11, Mexico requested precautionary measures against Ecuador, urging that the protection of its diplomatic facilities be guaranteed and advocating the suspension of Ecuador from the UN. However, these were rejected by the ICJ, declaring that there is “no imminent risk of irreparable damage to the rights claimed by Mexico.” While Noboa expressed his willingness to resolve their differences, López Obrador stressed that Mexico does not seek dialogue.

López Obrador affirmed that diplomatic relations could only be renewed if Ecuador complies with Mexico's demands, including respecting the political asylum granted to Ecuadorian Vice Ppresident Jorge Glas. "We also find it untenable to continue relations unless certain conditions are met: first, that a public apology is offered; second, that the right of asylum is respected; third, that a commitment of non-repetition is made; and fourth, consistency in our legal persecution, any government engaging in behavior similar to that of Ecuador should face expulsion from the UN."

Diplomatic Crisis Between Ecuador and Mexico

On April 5, Ecuador's government forcibly entered the Mexican embassy within its borders to apprehend Glas. In response, Mexico announced the termination of diplomatic ties with Ecuador, condemning the move as a violation of international law and Mexico's sovereignty. 

Tensions between the two countries started when President López Obrador suggested that the electoral success of Noboa was due to the assassination of former Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio. In response, Ecuador declared Raquel Serur, Mexican Ambassador in Ecuador, “persona non grata,” making Serur leave the country without delay. Mexico regretted the situation and highlighted that Serur adhered to the principles of foreign policy established in the Mexican Constitution and international law, emphasizing that she did nothing wrong. 

Tensions between the two countries escalated further when Glas sought diplomatic asylum in the Mexican embassy. Glas, who served a five-year prison term until the end of 2022 for convictions related to bribery and illicit association, is now facing prosecution for alleged embezzlement in the Reconstruction case in Manabi province following the 2016 earthquake.