Peru breaks ties with Mexico as Sheinbaum declared persona non grata

Peru on Monday severed diplomatic relations with Mexico and its Congress on Thursday declared Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum persona non grata after Mexico granted asylum to former Peruvian prime minister Betssy Chávez, officials said, deepening a diplomatic crisis between the two countries. The actions followed Chávez’s move into the Mexican embassy in Lima while Peruvian authorities consider whether to allow her safe passage out of the country.

Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela told reporters the Mexican decision to initiate asylum for Chávez at the embassy constituted an "unfriendly act" that amounted to interference in Peru’s internal affairs. "Today we learned with surprise and deep regret that former prime minister Betssy Chávez, the alleged coauthor of the coup detat attempted by former president Pedro Castillo, is being granted asylum at the residence of the Mexican Embassy in Peru," he said. Mexican officials rejected the declaration and said the asylum was offered in accordance with international law.

Chávez, who served as prime minister under Castillo, is facing charges tied to Castillo’s failed attempt in 2022 to dissolve Congress and declare a state of...