Background on Key Figures and Context
Daniel Noboa is the former president of Ecuador, who served from 2007 to 2011. He recently became a prominent figure in Ecuadorian politics after alleging electoral fraud following the presidential elections held on February 26, 2023. Luisa González, Noboa’s running mate and a prominent opposition figure, also claimed electoral fraud and has been vocal about the alleged irregularities.
Diplomatic Tensions Between Mexico and Ecuador
The diplomatic relations between Mexico and Ecuador have been strained since April 5, 2024, when Ecuadorian security forces stormed Mexico’s embassy in Quito to apprehend Jorge Glas, the former Vice President of Ecuador who had been granted political asylum. Mexico has condemned this action, stating that it was a “grave and flagrant violation of international law.”
Mexico’s Response to Ecuador’s Accusations
Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Office) Rejection:
The Mexican Foreign Affairs Office has firmly rejected Ecuador’s recent accusations, which claim that “hitmen from Mexico” were being sent to assassinate Daniel Noboa. These accusations stem from an official Ecuadorian military document dated April 17, alleging that hitmen from Mexico and other countries were being transported to Ecuador to carry out terrorist attacks against Noboa, his cabinet, and his team.
Mexico’s response emphasizes its commitment to non-intervention and condemns the “repetitive and irresponsible creation of narratives” in official communications or leaked documents that implicate Mexico in supposed criminal activities or internal matters.
Historical Context of the Diplomatic Rift
The strained relations between Mexico and Ecuador can be traced back to the violent takeover of Mexico’s embassy in Quito on April 5, 2024. This incident aimed to apprehend Jorge Glas, who had been granted political asylum by Mexico. Mexico has consistently maintained that this action was a blatant violation of international law.
Ecuador’s Claims and State of Alert
Ecuadorian Government’s Accusations:
On Saturday, the Ecuadorian government declared a state of “maximum alert” after alleging that criminal structures were plotting to assassinate Daniel Noboa and other officials. The government linked these criminal structures to political sectors defeated in the recent elections, implicitly referring to Luisa González, Noboa’s running mate and a prominent opposition figure who has accused the electoral process of fraud.
Minister José de la Gasca’s Statements:
José de la Gasca, Ecuador’s Minister of Government, confirmed the alleged sending of hitmen “from Mexico” who were planning terrorist attacks on bridges, banks, and state institutions. He also claimed that these groups were preparing to incite violent protests.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Who are Daniel Noboa and Luisa González? A: Daniel Noboa is a former Ecuadorian president (2007-2011) who has recently become a significant figure in Ecuadorian politics due to allegations of electoral fraud. Luisa González is Noboa’s running mate and a prominent opposition figure who has also accused the electoral process of fraud.
- Q: What led to the strained relations between Mexico and Ecuador? A: The diplomatic tensions between the two countries escalated following a violent takeover of Mexico’s embassy in Quito on April 5, 2024, aimed at apprehending Jorge Glas, the former Vice President of Ecuador who had been granted political asylum by Mexico.
- Q: What accusations has Ecuador leveled against Mexico? A: Ecuador has accused Mexico of sending hitmen to assassinate Daniel Noboa, based on an official military document dated April 17. The Ecuadorian government also claims that criminal structures linked to defeated political sectors are plotting against Noboa and other officials.
- Q: How has Mexico responded to these accusations? A: Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Office has rejected Ecuador’s accusations, condemning the irresponsible creation of narratives in official communications or leaked documents that implicate Mexico in criminal activities or internal matters. Mexico has emphasized its commitment to non-intervention and described the embassy takeover as a violation of international law.
