Lima: In a dramatic turn of events, the government of Peru announced on Monday that it is cutting all diplomatic relations with Mexico, following the granting of political asylum to former Peruvian Prime Minister Betssy Chávez by the Mexican government. The decision, described by Lima as a response to an “unfriendly act,” marks one of the most serious diplomatic ruptures in recent Latin American history.
A Diplomatic Rift Erupts:Peru’s Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela announced that the country could no longer maintain diplomatic engagement with Mexico after confirming that former Prime Minister Betssy Chávez had sought refuge inside the Mexican embassy in Lima. He accused Mexico of interfering in Peru’s domestic affairs, asserting that “granting asylum to an individual facing serious criminal charges amounts to a deliberate challenge to Peru’s sovereignty and its justice system.”
The Peruvian government has officially ordered the closure of its embassy in Mexico City and recalled its diplomatic staff. All Mexican diplomats stationed in Lima are expected to depart within the coming days. The move effectively suspends decades of political, economic, and cultural cooperation between the two nations.
The Asylum Controversy:
At the heart of the dispute is Betssy Chávez, who served as Prime Minister under former President Pedro Castillo, the left-wing leader ousted in December 2022 after attempting to dissolve Congress. Chávez has been under investigation for her alleged involvement in supporting Castillo’s unconstitutional power grab.
She was detained in 2023 and later released on conditional bail while awaiting trial. Reports suggest that Chávez entered the Mexican embassy in Lima last week and requested political asylum, claiming she was the target of political persecution. Mexico granted her request on humanitarian grounds, citing its long-standing policy of protecting political refugees.
However, Peru has condemned the move as a direct violation of its judicial independence. The government maintains that Chávez’s case is strictly a matter of criminal prosecution, not political persecution, and that due process is being followed in accordance with the constitution.
Long-Standing Tensions Between Lima and Mexico City:
Relations between the two countries have been strained since Castillo’s removal from power. Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has repeatedly denounced Castillo’s ouster, calling it a “coup” by Peru’s political elite. In response, President Dina Boluarte’s administration accused López Obrador of meddling in Peru’s internal affairs and undermining stability through his statements.
Analysts note that this rupture represents the culmination of nearly two years of escalating friction. Diplomatic notes, public rebukes, and social media exchanges between officials had already eroded mutual trust and the Chávez asylum case appears to have been the final breaking point.
Implications for Regional Diplomacy:
The severing of ties is expected to reverberate across Latin America, affecting cooperation within blocs such as CELAC and the Pacific Alliance, where both nations play influential roles. The diplomatic fallout could hinder progress on trade, migration, and regional security, while also exposing deep ideological divisions between left-leaning and centrist governments in the region.
Experts caution that this confrontation may set a new precedent for political asylum disputes in Latin America a region with a long history of embassies serving as sanctuaries for controversial figures. The episode underscores how quickly domestic legal matters can escalate into full-blown international crises.
A Test for Peru’s Government:
For President Dina Boluarte, the decision to sever ties with Mexico marks an assertive effort to defend Peru’s sovereignty and judicial integrity. Her administration seeks to send a clear message that foreign involvement in domestic legal affairs will not be tolerated.
Nonetheless, critics argue that the move risks isolating Peru diplomatically and complicating consular and economic relations. Mexico, whose asylum policy is deeply rooted in humanitarian tradition, is unlikely to reverse its stance leaving the two nations at a stalemate.
What Lies Ahead:
Mexico has yet to formally respond to Peru’s announcement, though diplomatic observers expect President López Obrador’s government to stand by its decision. The Mexican Foreign Ministry is anticipated to issue a statement reaffirming its sovereign right to grant asylum under international law.
Regional organizations such as the Organization of American States (OAS) may attempt mediation in the coming weeks, but early indications suggest both sides remain entrenched in their positions. For now, the breakdown of Peru–Mexico relations serves as a stark reminder of how fragile diplomatic ties can become when domestic politics intersect with international law and ideology.
The case of Betssy Chávez has transcended the courtroom reshaping not just Peru’s political discourse but also the broader diplomatic landscape of Latin America.