Tension Increases Between Peru and Mexico

Peruvian President Dina Boluarte has said that diplomatic relations between Peru and Mexico will be reduced substantially due to her discontent with the opinion and criticism from Mexican President López Obrador, who has supported former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo.

In December 2022, Castillo was removed from office after an attempted coup. Castillo was deposed after he tried to dissolve the Peruvian Congress following corruption allegations. He then asked for political asylum in Mexico but was arrested before he could reach the Mexican Embassy. Dina Boluarte, former Vice President of Peru, is temporarily occupying the role of Head of State, becoming the first woman to do so.

Boluarte’s appointment has generated serious diplomatic problems with American countries, first with Mexico and then with Bolivia, Colombia, Chile and the US. The problem with Mexico originated when President López Obrador offered political asylum to Castillo and his family. The Mexican president also accused the new government of removing Castillo for his left-wing alignment.

In response to what the Peruvian government considers to be political interference by Mexican authorities, the newly appointed administration decided to definitively dismiss the Peruvian ambassador to Mexico, declaring Pablo Monroy persona non grata and giving him 72 hours to leave the country. 

"I think Mr. López Obrador should not meddle in Peruvian political matters and instead worry about his country. Unfortunately, he does not know our Constitution; what we did was to take care of our democracy," said Somos Perú Congressman Esdras Medina.  

Alejandro Cavero, Avanza País Congressman, said that the decision to withdraw the Peruvian ambassador from Mexico was a good one since the Peruvian government cannot reason with López Obrador. "There cannot be a serious relationship at a political level with him. Now, it is time to do the same with Colombia so that they learn to respect our country's sovereignty, Constitution and democracy. “

Diplomatic tensions with Peru have risen after several countries accused the government of repressing opposing forces and barring a democratic process. With little support for the new government, experts warn that Peru could head toward international isolation.

"We run the risk of isolating ourselves, at least partially. The relationship with Mexico is tense. I think it was not necessary to expel the Mexican ambassador and it was not essential to prevent Evo Morales from entering Peru. Peruvian diplomacy has to prevail, the country has to act to improve the situation," said Ramiro Escobar, Professor of International Relations, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP).