Peru has taken a firm stance against Mexico, with Congress voting to declare Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum persona non grata. The move follows a recent diplomatic break after Mexico granted asylum to Betssy Chávez, a former Peruvian prime minister facing charges linked to a 2022 coup attempt.
Chávez has consistently denied any involvement in former President Pedro Castillo’s plan to dissolve Congress. She is currently under the protection of the Mexican embassy in Lima.
Mexico has defended its decision, arguing the asylum is consistent with international law and rejecting Peru’s claim that it constitutes an “unfriendly act.”
The vote in Congress concluded with 63 lawmakers in favor and 33 opposed. During debate, some legislators went further, alleging that President Sheinbaum has ties to drug trafficking, although no evidence was provided.
Chávez was arrested in June 2023 over her alleged participation in Castillo’s attempt to disband the legislative body but was later released on bail in September. Prosecutors are seeking a 25-year sentence, while she maintains her innocence.
Peru’s Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela explained to Reuters that legal specialists are reviewing the 1954 Caracas Convention on diplomatic asylum, which Mexico cited to justify its protection of Chávez. Earlier this week, de Zela said Mexico had tried to “portray the authors of the coup attempt as victims.”
“In reality, Peruvians live and want to continue living in democracy, as recognised by all countries in the world, with the sole and lonely exception of Mexico,” he added, highlighting the growing diplomatic tension.
Peru also accused Mexico of repeated interference in its domestic politics by both current and former Mexican leaders. The dispute dates back to 2022, when Peru expelled Mexico’s ambassador after Mexico offered asylum to Castillo’s wife and children following his arrest.
In September, the Foreign Relations Committee of Peru’s Congress had already recommended declaring Sheinbaum persona non grata, citing her public support for Castillo and failure to condemn his coup attempt. The latest congressional vote marks the formal adoption of that recommendation and a deepening strain in bilateral relations.
This diplomatic fallout highlights the fragile state of Peru-Mexico relations, with both countries now navigating the complex legal and political consequences of asylum, allegations, and international norms.
