Cuba’s Ambassador to Peru Departs as Diplomatic Tensions Rise Over Asylum Dispute

Cuba’s Ambassador to Peru, Carlos Zamora, has officially left his position and departed from the South American nation following a meeting with Peru’s Deputy Foreign Minister on October 28, according to a statement released by Peru’s Foreign Ministry on Friday. The ministry did not specify who would replace Zamora or when a new ambassador might be appointed, leaving uncertainty over the future of diplomatic relations between Havana and Lima.

The departure comes amid growing diplomatic friction in the region, particularly involving Peru and Mexico. In a separate announcement, Peru’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that it intends to propose a modification to an international convention on political asylum. This move follows heightened tensions after the Mexican government granted asylum to former Peruvian Prime Minister Betssy Chávez, a controversial decision that has strained bilateral relations between Mexico and Peru.

Peru’s government has expressed dissatisfaction with Mexico’s actions, arguing that the asylum grant interferes with its judicial processes. The Peruvian authorities accuse Chávez of involvement in the failed 2022 coup attempt by former President Pedro Castillo, who was removed from office and arrested after attempting to dissolve Congress.

Cuba’s withdrawal of its ambassador adds another layer to the region’s complex diplomatic landscape, as Latin American nations navigate shifting alliances and legal interpretations of international asylum protocols. Analysts suggest that Zamora’s departure could signal Havana’s disapproval of Lima’s current foreign policy stance or reflect broader regional political realignments.

As of now, both governments have refrained from issuing further comments, leaving open questions about the next steps in Cuba–Peru diplomatic relations and the potential impact of Peru’s proposed asylum convention changes.