Peru’s Congress has declared Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum persona non grata, escalating a diplomatic crisis after Mexico granted asylum to a former Peruvian prime minister accused of involvement in a coup attempt. This move deepens tensions between the two Latin American nations and underscores ongoing disputes over sovereignty and international law.
The Peruvian Congress voted 63-33 on Thursday to declare President Sheinbaum unwelcome in the country, a symbolic but significant gesture that followed Peru’s recent decision to sever diplomatic ties with Mexico. The vote came after Mexico offered asylum to Betssy Chávez, who served as prime minister under ousted President Pedro Castillo and faces charges related to his 2022 attempt to dissolve Peru’s legislative body. Peruvian lawmakers argued that Mexico’s actions constituted interference in internal affairs, further straining bilateral relations.
Chávez has been accused of rebellion and conspiracy for her alleged role in Castillo’s plan to shut down congress, an event that led to his arrest and her imprisonment in June 2023. She was released on bail in September and has consistently denied the charges, with prosecutors seeking a 25-year prison sentence. Chávez has taken refuge in the Mexican embassy in Lima, where she remains under diplomatic protection as the asylum process unfolds.
Mexico has defended its decision to grant asylum, citing the 1954 Caracas Convention on diplomatic asylum and international humanitarian law. Mexican officials rejected Peru’s characterization of the move as an “unfriendly act,” emphasizing their commitment to protecting individuals from political persecution. Peru’s Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela, however, accused Mexico of misrepresenting the coup attempt’s authors as victims and undermining Peruvian democracy.
During the congressional debate, Peruvian legislators made unsubstantiated claims that Sheinbaum has close ties to drug trafficking, though no evidence was provided. This accusation adds to a history of grievances, including Peru’s 2022 expulsion of Mexico’s ambassador after Mexico granted asylum to Castillo’s family. Last September, a Peruvian congressional committee had already proposed declaring Sheinbaum persona non grata for her failure to condemn Castillo’s actions and advocacy for his release.
The current dispute highlights broader regional tensions, where political instability and asylum cases frequently test diplomatic boundaries. Peru is reviewing the Caracas Convention to assess legal avenues, while Mexico maintains its stance on upholding international norms. The standoff could influence how other Latin American countries navigate similar conflicts, balancing national sovereignty with humanitarian obligations.
As the crisis unfolds, the focus shifts to potential resolutions, including mediation efforts or further legal actions. The declaration of persona non grata, while largely symbolic, signals a hardening of positions and may complicate future cooperation on trade, security, and regional initiatives. Both nations are likely to face pressure from international bodies to de-escalate and find a diplomatic solution.