Colombia Expels Bolivian Ambassador

In a tit-for-tat diplomatic maneuver, Colombia has expelled the Bolivian ambassador from Bogota, mirroring Bolivia's earlier decision to expel Colombia's envoy. The Colombian Foreign Ministry stated that this reciprocal measure was a direct response to La Paz's expulsion of their ambassador. Bolivia had justified its action by accusing Colombian President Gustavo Petro of interfering in its domestic affairs. Petro had previously referred to the protests by Bolivian farmers, workers, and miners against President Rodrigo Paz's economic policies as a 'popular uprising.' This diplomatic spat underscores the tensions between the two South American nations, highlighting differing perspectives on regional solidarity and non-interference in internal matters. For Colombia, this expulsion signifies a firm stance against perceived slights, while for Bolivia, it reflects a desire to assert its sovereignty against external commentary on its internal political landscape.