Colombia has expelled the Bolivian ambassador in a retaliatory move hours after Bolivia ordered the expulsion of Colombia’s envoy over accusations of political interference.
Colombia’s Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday that Bolivian Ambassador Ariel Perez Molina Pimentel had been removed from his post under the principle of diplomatic reciprocity.
The diplomatic dispute follows comments made by Colombian President Gustavo Petro regarding ongoing antigovernmental protests in Bolivia.
Since early May, farmers, factory workers, miners, and other groups have staged demonstrations across Bolivia demanding the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz amid a deepening economic crisis.
Petro described the unrest as a “popular uprising”, comments that Bolivian authorities viewed as interference in domestic affairs.
Earlier on Wednesday, Bolivia announced the expulsion of Colombian ambassador Elizabeth Garcia, citing the need to protect national sovereignty, non-interference, and mutual respect between states.
The escalating diplomatic standoff highlights growing political tensions in the region as Bolivia faces mounting economic pressure and domestic unrest.
The dispute also threatens to strain bilateral relations between the two South American nations at a time of heightened political sensitivity across Latin America.
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