Diplomacy & Geopolitics
Colombia president-elect says he will cut ties with Cuba and Nicaragua and close 29 missions
Colombia’s president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella said he will break diplomatic relations with Cuba and Nicaragua after taking office on August 7 and close 29 embassies and consulates. De la Espriella said on Sunday that the closures would include missions in Algeria, Barbados, Ethiopia, Haiti, Hungary, Senegal and South Africa.
He said Colombia would not break diplomatic relations with those other countries. Relations would continue through other embassies, which would also provide services to Colombians abroad.
De la Espriella said closing the 15 consulates and 14 embassies would allow his government to redirect money to security. His election campaign centred on what he called “iron fist” security policies.
He has also announced plans to open an embassy in Jerusalem as part of an effort to restore relations with Israel.
Outgoing President Gustavo Petro severed diplomatic ties with Israel in 2024 over its offensive in Gaza.
De la Espriella also said he plans to open an embassy in Nigeria as Colombia reorganises its diplomatic presence in Africa.
Update
De la Espriella said he would close 15 consulates and 14 embassies, including in Algeria, Barbados, Ethiopia, Haiti, Hungary, Senegal and South Africa.
He said those closures would not mean breaking diplomatic relations with the countries other than Cuba and Nicaragua.
He said Colombia would maintain relations with other countries and serve nationals through other embassies.
He said closing missions would redirect money to security.
He has announced plans to open embassies in Jerusalem and Nigeria.
Source note: AFP news report published on 27 July 2026 at 08:15:33 UTC.
Update
Abelardo de la Espriella said he would break the relations once he takes office on August 7.
He made the statement in a social media post on Sunday.
The post also announced the closure of 15 consulates and 14 embassies.
He said: "In my government, there will be no ties with tyrannies."
Source note: AFP news report published on 27 July 2026 at 03:33:03 UTC.
Uncertainty notes
The closures and diplomatic breaks are stated plans for after De la Espriella takes office and have not yet taken effect.
The source names some, but not all, countries where missions would be closed.
Source
AFP news report published on .