Tensions between Colombia and Ecuador have escalated after Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa recalled his ambassador to Colombia, Arturo Félix Wong, for consultations following remarks by Colombian President Gustavo Petro.
Relations between the two countries have deteriorated in recent weeks, driven by tariff measures imposed by Ecuador on Colombian products. Noboa justified the decision by citing what he described as Colombia’s inaction in the fight against drug trafficking — a problem affecting both countries.
Colombia responded with reciprocal measures, further straining ties and creating what observers describe as an economic dispute that is already impacting border communities and trade between the two nations.
Attempts by third parties to restore dialogue between the two leaders have so far been unsuccessful. Meetings between high-level officials, including foreign and finance ministers from both countries, have also failed to resolve the crisis. The situation worsened after President Petro commented on Ecuador’s internal affairs.
President Petro comments on internal affairs of Ecuador
President Petro referred to the detention of former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas, who served under former President Rafael Correa and is currently imprisoned in connection with corruption cases tied to the Brazilian construction firm Odebrecht.
Petro described Glas as a “political prisoner” and also referred to him as a “Colombian citizen.” In a post on X, the Colombian president called on international human rights organizations to monitor Glas’ condition.
“I request that international human rights organizations safeguard his rights,” Petro wrote. “His health condition already endangers his life because, being in prison, he has not been given sufficient food and already suffers severe malnutrition and loss of muscle mass. Letting a person die of hunger while under the care of a government is a crime against humanity.”
The Ecuadorian government rejected Petro’s claims, stating that Glas is not politically persecuted but rather a convicted individual sentenced through legitimate judicial proceedings.
Officials said Glas was convicted of illicit association and is also facing embezzlement proceedings. They emphasized that Ecuador’s judiciary is independent and that all legal guarantees have been respected.
“Any attempt to delegitimize these sentences from abroad constitutes a flagrant violation of the principle of non-intervention, enshrined in international law, particularly in the Charters of the United Nations and the Organization of American States,” Ecuador’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
Diplomatic sources from Ecuador cited by the Semana magazine reported that, in addition to issuing a formal protest, President Noboa recalled Ambassador Félix Wong, who was expected to return to Ecuador between Wednesday and Thursday.
As tensions continue to rise, prospects for normalizing relations between the two countries appear increasingly distant. Border communities, along with businesses and industries that depend on cross-border trade, are expected to feel the greatest impact if the diplomatic rift continues.