Tensions With Ecuador / Ayotzinapa

Tensions With Ecuador. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador emphasized that legal action against Ecuador before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is aimed at preventing the recurrence of an event like that between Ecuador and Mexico.

The government of Ecuador forcibly entered the Mexican embassy within its borders to arrest the Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas, who was granted asylum after being accused of corruption. In response, Mexico announced the termination of diplomatic ties with Ecuador, condemning the move as a violation of international law and Mexico's sovereignty. López Obrador said that the lawsuit before the ICJ will probably have a favorable outcome that could lead to sanctions against Ecuador or its exclusion from international organizations such as the OAS.

Ecuador Bans Flights to Mexico.  In response to the latest developments, Ecuador's government limited air travel to Mexico, despite initial denials by Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa. Three days ago, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation in Ecuador refuted claims of a ban on flights, including both private and commercial, between Ecuador and Mexico.

Ayotzinapa. President López Obrador stressed that investigations are progressing and that he will soon meet with the families of the students.

In 2014, during former President Enrique Peña Nieto’s administration, 43 students disappeared in Iguala, Guerrero. The government reported they were murdered by the United Warriors Cartel in Cocula. However, information showed that the Iguala police and army handed over the students to the criminal group. The Truth Commission of the Ayotzinapa case reported that there was an infiltrated soldier among the students, but Former Army General Salvador Cienfuegos assured that the army was not involved. Since then, numerous protests have been held to demand accountability.