Crystal Dike
Peru has severed diplomatic relations with Mexico, marking a major diplomatic breakdown after the Mexican government granted asylum to former Peruvian Prime Minister Betssy Chávez, who faces charges linked to a 2022 coup attempt.
Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela, on Thursday, expressed “surprise and deep regret” over Mexico’s decision to shelter Chávez at its embassy in Lima. “Given this unfriendly act, the Peruvian government has decided to sever diplomatic relations with Mexico today,” Zela announced, calling the move a clear sign of a diplomatic breakdown between both nations.
In response, Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Ministry described Peru’s decision as “excessive and disproportionate,” rejecting what it called a unilateral escalation.
Chávez was imprisoned in June 2023 for her alleged role in former President Pedro Castillo’s attempt to dissolve Congress in December 2022. She was released on bail in September and denied all charges. Prosecutors are seeking a 25-year prison sentence.
Peru accused Mexico of “repeated interference” in its internal affairs, saying the Mexican government has attempted to “portray the authors of the coup attempt as victims.” Zela added that “Peruvians live and want to continue living in democracy, as recognised by all countries in the world—with the sole exception of Mexico.”
The latest diplomatic breakdown deepens long-standing tensions between the two countries since Castillo’s ousting. In 2022, Peru expelled Mexico’s ambassador after Mexico granted asylum to Castillo’s wife and children. The following year, Lima recalled its ambassador following remarks by then-Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador supporting Castillo.
Castillo, a former teacher and union activist, was arrested in December 2022 after trying to dissolve Congress and install an emergency government. He remains in preventive custody, with prosecutors seeking a 34-year sentence for rebellion.
Peru’s ongoing diplomatic breakdown with Mexico underscores the fragile political climate in Lima, where Castillo’s successor, Dina Boluarte, was removed from office last month following mass protests over corruption and insecurity. Congress leader José Jeri has since been sworn in as interim president.