LIMA, Peru – In a dramatic escalation of a long-simmering diplomatic feud, Peru announced on Tuesday that it has officially severed diplomatic relations with Mexico, following the Mexican government’s decision to grant political asylum to former Peruvian Prime Minister Betssy Chávez.
Chávez is facing criminal charges for her alleged role in the failed December 2022 coup attempt led by then-President Pedro Castillo. She is currently reported to be staying at the Mexican Embassy residence in Lima.
The decisive announcement was made by Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela during a press briefing, where he condemned Mexico’s action as “surprising and deeply regrettable.” He directly linked the decision to the asylum offered to Chávez, whom he described as “the alleged co-author of the coup d’état attempt by former President Pedro Castillo.”
Calling Mexico’s move an “unfriendly act,” de Zela accused Mexican officials of repeated interference in Peru’s internal affairs.
“Given the ongoing involvement of current and former Mexican leaders in matters that concern only the Peruvian state, our government has decided to cut diplomatic relations with Mexico as of today,” de Zela stated.
The current crisis is the latest chapter in a political drama that began on December 7, 2022, when President Castillo attempted to dissolve Congress and rule by decree. The move backfired, leading to his swift impeachment and arrest. Chávez, who was serving as his prime minister at the time, was accused of collaborating in the plan, though she has consistently denied having any prior knowledge of or participation in Castillo’s decision.
Intriguing details emerged during the investigation, with Chávez’s driver testifying that she had asked to be driven to the Mexican Embassy during the political turmoil but changed her mind and returned to her office. Chávez has rejected this account.
Relations between Lima and Mexico City have been severely strained since Castillo’s ouster. Shortly after the event, Mexico granted asylum to members of Castillo’s family, prompting Peru to expel the Mexican ambassador. In response, the government of then-President Dina Boluarte recalled Peru’s ambassador from Mexico City, condemning Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador for his public statements supporting Castillo.
Castillo was arrested while reportedly on his way to the Mexican Embassy with his family. He has been charged with rebellion and abuse of authority and remains in preventive detention. Chávez, who was charged alongside him, was released on bail earlier this year.
Both former President Castillo and former Prime Minister Chávez went on trial in March. Prosecutors are seeking a 34-year prison sentence for Castillo and a 25-year term for Chávez if they are convicted. The severing of diplomatic ties marks a new low in the regional dispute, isolating the two nations and complicating any resolution to the ongoing legal and political saga.
