Peru Declares Mexican President Sheinbaum ‘Persona Non Grata’
Peru’s Congress voted today to declare Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum unwelcome in the country, escalating a diplomatic crisis stemming from Mexico’s decision to grant asylum to a former Peruvian prime minister.
The declaration, passed in a 63-33 vote, follows Peru’s recent severing of diplomatic ties with Mexico after the Mexican government offered asylum to Betssy Chávez, who faces charges related to a 2022 coup attempt. Chávez, who served as prime minister under ousted President Pedro Castillo, denies allegations of involvement in Castillo’s attempt to dissolve Congress and has been residing in the Mexican embassy in Lima. Mexico maintains its offer of asylum is in accordance with international law and has rejected Peru’s characterization of the move as “unfriendly.”
During the congressional vote, Peruvian legislators also accused Sheinbaum of having close ties to drug trafficking, though no evidence was presented to support these claims. Chávez was initially imprisoned in June 2023 and released on bail in September; prosecutors are seeking a 25-year sentence. The dispute centers on the interpretation of the 1954 Caracas Convention on Diplomatic Asylum, which Mexico cited as justification for offering Chávez protection. This move could further destabilize political relations in the region.
Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela stated that legal experts are currently reviewing the convention, and previously criticized Mexico for attempting to “portray the authors of the coup attempt as victims.” He added, “In reality, Peruvians live and want to continue living in democracy…with the sole and lonely exception of Mexico.” Peru also accused Mexico of repeated interference in its internal affairs, recalling its ambassador in 2022 after Mexico granted asylum to Castillo’s family.
Officials indicated that Peru will continue to pursue legal avenues regarding the asylum case and assess the implications of the declaration of persona non grata.
