Conflict in the Andes: Tension Between Ecuador and Colombia (Update)
In spite of news headlines suggesting possible military conflict in South America, Pro-Ecuador’s Martha Perez asked me to reassure our readers that the current diplomatic conflict poses no threat to foreigners in Ecuador and presents no risk of war.
Ecuador is a land of peace and tranquility compared to Colombia where the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), paramilitaries, Colombian government, and drug traffickers struggle for control.
Developments in the northern part of South America have unfolded at a rapid pace since Saturday, when the Colombian police and military killed FARC’s second-in-command, Luis Edgar Devia Silva, known as “Raul Reyes.” The Colombian government described it as the most significant blow yet against the rebels.
Colombia says its police and air force attacked targets in Colombia and shot back only after its forces came under fire from FARC rebels about a mile inside Ecuador.
Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos denied that Colombia violated Ecuadorian airspace, but the presidents of Ecuador and Venezuela disputed that and assailed the raid as an infringement of Ecuador’s sovereignty.
Not Our Fight
The Ecuadorian government holds a firm position of neutrality. They cannot take sides because the consequences of participation would connect Ecuador with Colombia’s crisis.
This is the same logic for Ecuador’s planned closure of the U.S. Base in Manta. Ecuador chooses to remain neutral regarding international conflicts and will not allow foreign military operations or bases inside its territory.
Even if the government of Ecuador is thrilled with Colombia’s military action they could never state so publicly. Ecuador’s strongly worded response to Colombia’s military action is consistent with their foreign policy of neutrality. Acceptance would mean taking sides.
Political Theatre
On any other day this conflict may not have made such great news. Public approval of Ecuador’s president Rafael Correa is declining and major flooding continues to devastate the Ecuadorian coast. Politicians worldwide often seize opportunities to change the subject and rally public support.
This conflict is receiving widespread news coverage and many of the headlines include Hugo Chavez. It’s no surprise that Mr. Chavez has taken the opportunity to get some free press.
While most of Latin America supports Ecuador’s response to this situation, much of the world is questioning the involvement of Venezuela. Many people are worried about the influence of Mr. Chavez in Ecuador. Don’t worry. Most Ecuadorians just roll their eyes at the Venezuelan President and feel sorry for the people of his country.
No Threat of War: Just Another Day in Ecuador
Latin America is hugely divided and has a long history of border disputes. Such conflicts are especially sensitive in Ecuador where a longstanding border dispute with Peru dates back to Inca times.
Talk of war is a great way to get international media attention. With over 3,189 related news stories already online it seems to be working.
Diplomacy in Progress
The Organization of American States met in Washington D.C. this afternoon to discuss the conflict between Ecuador and Colombia. According to eluniverso.com, Ecuador’s minister of International Relations, Maria Isabel Salvador, denounced the Colombian military incursion into Ecuadorian territory and the transgression of international agreements.
Ecuador’s Salvador said: “Our country maintains permanent border control operations and has dismantled 47 FARC camps.”
CNN reports that “Ecuador’s president said Monday that a deal to release political prisoners — including former Colombian Sen. Ingrid Betancourt — was nearly complete before a Colombian raid into his country Saturday.
It’s impossible to know the truth behind this conflict. What I do know is that Ecuador remains a wonderful place to live. I feel happy and safe to be here.
Please continue planning your trip to Ecuador and don’t worry. Contact us if you have any questions. Otherwise, we will see you in Ecuador!
Filed under: Ecuador News
Thanks for your update on the situation. You have basically said what I suspected the situation was.
I have a lot of faith in Correa, but Chavez can be a loose cannon and Columbia has been a fiasco for years.
I trust Ecuador won’t get dragged into anything more than a diplomatic crisis.
Border disputes are not uncommon - even in the first world. Canada and America still have unresolved disputes over the Alaska Panhandle and islands near the Maine/New Bruswick border. Denmark and Canada argue who has sovereignty over and Island near Greenland and a posturing Putin recently claimed the North Pole and much of Canada’s Arctic region as Russian soil.