Peru’s Congress on Thursday voted to declare Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum persona non grata, intensifying a diplomatic crisis between the two countries amid a growing dispute over political asylum.
The move came just days after Lima severed diplomatic ties with Mexico, accusing it of committing an “unfriendly act” by granting asylum to Betssy Chavez, the last prime minister under ousted former President Pedro Castillo.
Chavez is currently holed up inside Mexico’s embassy in Lima as Peruvian authorities weigh whether to allow her safe passage out of the country.
Mexico’s government swiftly rejected the declaration, saying its decision to grant asylum was made “in strict accordance with international law” under the 1954 Caracas Convention.
Peru’s new Foreign Minister, Hugo de Zela, told Reuters that legal experts are urgently reviewing that convention to determine the legitimacy of Mexico’s move. “It’s an analysis we’ve asked to be done quickly, but with the necessary care to do it well,” De Zela said.
Relations between the two nations have been fraught since Mexico granted asylum to Castillo’s wife and children after his 2022 arrest. Castillo, who remains in custody, is awaiting sentencing for attempting to dissolve Congress and seize control of the government.
Chavez faces charges of conspiracy for her alleged involvement in that episode, with prosecutors seeking a 25-year prison sentence. She denies the accusations, insisting she is the target of political persecution.
Released from prison in September to prepare her defense, she sought refuge at the Mexican embassy shortly thereafter.
Foreign Minister De Zela said a decision on whether Chavez will be granted safe passage is expected by the end of the week. He stressed that while Peru values regional cooperation, it “cannot accept interference in internal affairs.”
The standoff has drawn comparisons to a similar 2024 incident in Ecuador, when security forces raided Mexico’s embassy in Quito to seize an ex-official granted asylum, prompting Mexico to break diplomatic relations with that country as well.
Despite the rupture, De Zela said both countries are working to minimize the fallout on their economic partnership.
Peru and Mexico remain key members of the Pacific Alliance trade bloc, with bilateral trade exceeding $2.5 billion last year.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
