Peru Declares Mexico’s President Unwelcome Amid Diplomatic Rift Over Asylum for Ex-Peruvian PM

Peru’s Congress has declared Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum a persona non grata, escalating a growing diplomatic standoff after Mexico granted asylum to former Peruvian Prime Minister Betssy Chavez. The decision comes just days after Peru severed diplomatic ties with Mexico, accusing it of interfering in the country’s internal affairs.

Mexico’s government swiftly rejected Peru’s declaration, insisting its decision to provide asylum complied with international law. It dismissed Peru’s allegations as “unfounded” and emphasized that the move was consistent with the 1954 Caracas Convention, which outlines rules for granting asylum.

Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela told Reuters that legal experts are urgently reviewing Mexico’s justification under the convention. “It’s an analysis we’ve asked to be done quickly, but with the necessary care,” said De Zela, appointed last month by President Jose Jeri. He added that a decision on whether to grant Chavez safe passage to Mexico could come by week’s end.

Chavez, facing charges of conspiracy over her alleged involvement in former President Pedro Castillo’s failed 2022 attempt to dissolve Congress, could face up to 25 years in prison. She had been jailed since mid-2023 but was released in September to prepare her defense.

Tensions between Peru and Mexico have been high since Mexico granted asylum to Castillo’s wife and children following his ousting and arrest. Despite the diplomatic freeze, both governments are working to protect bilateral trade worth over $2.5 billion annually under the Pacific Alliance bloc.

Peru maintains that foreign governments must avoid interfering in domestic politics. “We want good relations with all countries, but there can be no interference in internal affairs,” De Zela emphasized. Meanwhile, Mexico continues to defend its asylum policy as a sovereign and lawful humanitarian act.