Peru has severed diplomatic relations with Mexico after the Mexican government granted asylum to former Peruvian Prime Minister Betssy Chávez, who is facing charges for her alleged role in a 2022 coup attempt. This decision, announced on November 4, 2025, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two nations, reflecting deeper political divisions in the region.
Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela expressed “surprise and deep regret” upon learning that Chávez was being given refuge at the Mexican embassy in Lima. He described Mexico’s action as an “unfriendly act” and cited repeated instances of interference by Mexican officials in Peru’s internal affairs as justification for the severance. In response, Mexico’s foreign affairs ministry rejected Peru’s decision as “excessive and disproportionate,” though no detailed official statement was immediately available. The announcement came just hours after Chávez fled to the embassy, underscoring the rapid deterioration in bilateral relations.
Betssy Chávez served as Minister of Culture and later as Prime Minister under former President Pedro Castillo, appointed in November 2022 amid a prolonged standoff between Castillo and Congress. She was charged alongside Castillo for allegedly participating in his plan to dissolve Congress in December 2022, which led to his impeachment and arrest on rebellion and abuse of authority charges. Prosecutors are seeking a 25-year prison sentence for Chávez, who has denied any wrongdoing, while Castillo faces a potential 34-year term for his role in the attempted coup.
Chávez had been imprisoned in June 2023 but was released on bail in September, maintaining her innocence throughout the legal proceedings. Her lawyer, Raul Noblecilla, told local media that he had not heard from her in several days and was unaware of any formal asylum request, adding uncertainty to the situation. Peru’s government has accused Mexico of portraying the alleged coup participants as victims, a narrative that Lima contends undermines Peru’s democratic institutions and the rule of law.
This incident is the latest in a series of diplomatic clashes between Peru and Mexico over Castillo’s case. In December 2022, Peru expelled Mexico’s ambassador after Mexico granted asylum to Castillo’s wife and children following his arrest. Then, in February 2023, Peru recalled its ambassador to Mexico in response to then-President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s public support for Castillo, whom he described as “illegally ousted.” These previous episodes have steadily eroded trust, with Peru viewing Mexico’s actions as unwarranted meddling in its domestic affairs.
Pedro Castillo, a former rural schoolteacher and union activist, was dubbed Peru’s “first poor president” and took office as an outsider promising economic reforms and support for the marginalized. However, his presidency collapsed after his attempt to dissolve Congress was declared unconstitutional, with government officials and the military refusing to back him. Castillo has been in preventive custody since December 2022 and denies the charges, arguing he never resorted to violence as the military did not follow his orders.
The political instability in Peru continues, with Castillo’s successor, Dina Boluarte, removed from office last month amid mass protests over political scandals and rising crime rates. Congress leader José Jeri was sworn in as interim president, highlighting the country’s fragile governance. The diplomatic break with Mexico adds to Peru’s challenges, potentially affecting regional cooperation and isolating it further in Latin American politics, where Mexico’s left-leaning government has often clashed with more conservative administrations.
Looking ahead, the severed ties could have wider implications for trade, migration, and diplomatic alliances in the Americas. Other countries may be drawn into the dispute, and international bodies like the Organization of American States might need to mediate. The situation underscores the complexities of asylum laws and diplomatic norms, raising questions about how nations balance sovereignty with humanitarian concerns in an increasingly polarized global landscape.