Tensions between Peru and Mexico escalated sharply this week after Peru’s Congress voted to declare Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum “persona non grata,” effectively barring her from the country.
The move represents the strongest retaliation yet in an ongoing diplomatic dispute triggered by Mexico’s decision to grant political asylum to former Peruvian Prime Minister Betssy Chávez.
The crisis traces back to the ouster of former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo in December 2022. Castillo, a leftist former teacher, was removed by Congress after attempting to dissolve the legislature in an act widely viewed as a coup attempt.
Chávez, who served as his prime minister, was charged with rebellion and abuse of authority alongside him. While Castillo remains in pretrial detention facing a potential 34-year sentence, Chávez—released on bail—recently sought refuge inside the Mexican embassy in Lima.
Mexico granted her asylum, citing its long-standing humanitarian tradition. Peru, however, considers the move an unacceptable intrusion into its domestic affairs. Interim President José Jerí responded by severing diplomatic ties with Mexico and ordering its top diplomat to leave the country within a set deadline.
On Thursday, Peru’s Congress voted 63–33 in favor of declaring Sheinbaum unwelcome. Acting Congress President Fernando Rospigliosi claimed the Mexican leader had interfered in Peru’s internal matters “not only through statements,” but also through the decision to grant Chávez asylum.
Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Ministry rejected the accusation as unfounded, arguing that Chávez’s asylum was granted strictly under the 1954 Caracas Convention on diplomatic asylum, which both nations have ratified. Chávez denies the charges against her, claiming she is a victim of political persecution.
Peru’s Foreign Ministry is now reviewing the legal framework as it evaluates Mexico’s request for safe passage that would allow Chávez to leave the embassy for Mexico without being detained.
Socialist lawmaker Jaime Quito condemned the congressional vote, accusing lawmakers of once again causing “international embarrassment” by severing ties with Mexico.
The clash highlights deep political rifts in the region and brings Peru–Mexico relations to their lowest point in decades.
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