06 Apr 2024 | 08:36 AM UTC
Ecuador, Mexico: Ecuadorean authorities raid the Embassy of Mexico in Quito, April 5
Heightened security likely near Embassy of Mexico in Quito, Ecuador, following police raid late April 5. Related disruptions likely.
Heightened security is likely near the Embassy of Mexico in Quito in the coming days following a police raid on the site late April 5. Officials conducted an operation to arrest former Vice President Jorge Glas who had previously been convicted and served prison terms for corruption-related offences. Mexico alleges that several Mexican diplomats were injured during the raid. Glas sought asylum in the Mexican Embassy in December; this was granted on April 5. In response to the police raid, Mexico will reportedly sever diplomatic ties with Ecuador. On April 4, Ecuador declared the Mexican ambassador in Quito 'persona non grata' in response to Mexican President Lopez Obrador's comments about Ecuador's recent elections.
The escalation in tensions could result in significant disruptions to bilateral relations, including but not limited to consular services. The recent tensions could also motivate protests, including near the embassies of the respective nations in Quito and Mexico City. Heightened security is likely near any gatherings that materialize. Police deployments and gatherings could also result in localized ground travel disruptions.
In the coming days, exercise caution near the respective embassies, particularly the Embassy of Mexico in Quito. Heed all official instructions. Avoid all protests. Ecuadorean nationals in Mexico and Mexican nationals in Ecuador should maintain close contact with their diplomatic services if consular support is planned or anticipated in the near term.
