Bolivia expels Colombian ambassador over President Petro's 'insurrection' comments
Bolivia has declared Colombian Ambassador Elizabeth Garcia persona non grata and ordered her expulsion from La Paz after comments by Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Bolivia’s political unrest.
Bolivian Foreign Minister Fernando Aramayo announced the decision on Wednesday, accusing Petro of interfering in Bolivia’s internal affairs.
The dispute followed remarks by Petro describing the situation in Bolivia as a “popular insurrection” and a “Bolivian political crisis,” while offering Colombia’s support for a peaceful solution.
“President Petro’s statements are spreading misinformation, making value judgments and implying direct interference in Bolivian internal politics,” Aramayo said.
He stressed that the move did not mean Bolivia was severing diplomatic relations with Colombia.
Petro later told Radio Caracol that Bolivia was experiencing “extremism” following the ambassador’s expulsion.
The diplomatic row comes amid growing tensions in Bolivia, where protests and roadblocks have disrupted transport and supplies of food and basic goods across parts of the country.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
