Colombia President-Elect to Cut Ties With Cuba, Nicaragua on Inauguration Day

Colombia's President-elect Gustavo Petro has declared his intention to break diplomatic relations with Cuba and Nicaragua immediately upon taking office on August 7.

Petro, who aligns with right-wing conservative politics, stated on social media that his administration will not maintain any relationship with "dictatorial regimes." Cuba and Nicaragua are prominent Latin American nations known for their long-standing leftist governments and opposition to the United States. Petro's campaign emphasized a strong stance on public security and restoring relations with the U.S.

He announced plans to close 14 embassies and 15 consulates in countries including Algeria, Barbados, Ethiopia, Haiti, Hungary, Senegal, and South Africa. Petro clarified that these closures do not signify a complete severance of diplomatic ties with all nations, assuring that Colombia will continue international relations with other countries and organizations, and maintain consular services for its citizens through remaining embassies.

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In my government, we will not have any relationship with dictatorial regimes.

In a contrasting move, Petro is pursuing closer ties with Israel, with plans to open an embassy in Jerusalem. This decision follows the policy of outgoing President Gustavo Petro, who severed diplomatic relations with Israel in 2024, citing its actions in the Gaza Strip.

Furthermore, the president-elect revealed plans to establish an embassy in Nigeria, aiming to "restructure and increase the efficiency" of Colombia's diplomatic network in Africa.

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restructure and increase the efficiency