The Foreign Office has issued a stark warning about regional stability after allegations emerged that Ecuador has been interfering in Colombia's upcoming presidential election. Leaks from intelligence sources suggest that Quito has been funnelling money and covert support to a hard-left candidate, aiming to destabilise Colombia's centre-right government.
This is a serious escalation in the long-running rivalry between the two neighbours. Tensions have been simmering since Ecuador's President Guillermo Lasso survived an impeachment attempt earlier this year. Some in his inner circle are thought to be pushing a more aggressive foreign policy to distract from domestic woes.
Whitehall sources tell me that MI6 has shared evidence with Bogota showing unauthorised transfers from Ecuadorian state banks to Colombian campaign accounts. The amounts are modest: perhaps £2 million total. But the political symbolism is explosive.
Colombia's President Ivan Duque has already summoned the Ecuadorian ambassador for a dressing-down. Behind the scenes, his government is reportedly considering a formal complaint to the Organisation of American States.
The UK's position is clear: any foreign interference in a democratic election is unacceptable. A Foreign Office spokesperson said: 'We are monitoring the situation closely. We urge all parties to respect the sovereignty of Colombia's electoral process.'
But there is a wider context here. The region is already on edge. Venezuela's crisis continues to push migrants across borders. Peru is in political chaos. And now this. The fear in London is that a tit-for-tat spiral could lead to a full-blown diplomatic crisis, or worse.
Sources in the Latin America desk at the FCDO admit they are 'deeply concerned' about the potential for violence. Colombia's election is scheduled for May 2026. That gives time for tensions to either cool or ignite.
The opposition in Ecuador has seized on the allegations. Left-wing groups are accusing Lasso of 'exporting instability' to bolster his own flagging popularity. Meanwhile, the candidate in question has denied any knowledge of foreign support.
What happens next depends on the evidence. If MI6's material is watertight, Quito will face international condemnation. If it's ambiguous, Duque will have to tread carefully. Either way, this is a story that is not going away.
I am told that the UK is coordinating with US and EU partners on a joint response. Options on the table include targeted sanctions against Ecuadorian officials and a public statement of support for Colombia's electoral integrity.
Watch this space. The game is afoot.
