Peru Ends Diplomatic Ties With Mexico Over Asylum for Ex-Prime Minister

Peru’s decision to end diplomatic relations with Mexico followed the granting of asylum to former Prime Minister Betssy Chávez at the Mexican embassy in Lima. The move led to Brazil assuming responsibility for Mexico’s diplomatic representation in Peru with the agreement of both countries.

On 3 November 2025, the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the formal severance of diplomatic ties with Mexico. This action came after Mexico provided asylum to Betssy Chávez, who had sought refuge at the Mexican embassy in Lima and continues to remain there under police surveillance.

Following the diplomatic break, Brazil agreed to represent Mexico’s interests in Peru. On 25 January 2026, the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed it had taken charge of the Mexican embassy building, official residence, assets, and files in Lima, with the consent of both the Mexican and Peruvian governments.

The arrangement for Brazil to act on behalf of Mexico in Peru aligns with Article 45 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. This legal framework allows a third country to assume diplomatic representation when two nations have severed relations, provided all parties agree.

What the numbers show

• Peru severed diplomatic ties with Mexico on 3 November 2025
• Brazil assumed Mexico’s diplomatic representation in Peru on 25 January 2026
• Betssy Chávez was sentenced to 11 years, 5 months, and 15 days in prison on 27 November 2025

Despite the end of diplomatic relations, Peru continues to maintain consular relations with Mexico. This allows for ongoing consular services between the two countries, even though formal diplomatic channels have been suspended.

Betssy Chávez, who served as Peru’s Prime Minister, was sentenced on 27 November 2025 to over 11 years in prison for her involvement in the failed 2022 coup attempt. She remains inside the Mexican embassy in Lima, where local authorities continue to monitor the premises.

On 26 January 2026, Peru’s Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela stated that Brazil’s new role representing Mexico in Peru does not alter Chávez’s status at the embassy. The minister confirmed that the arrangement does not affect the ongoing situation regarding her asylum.

The diplomatic developments have involved coordination between Peru, Mexico, and Brazil, with each step documented by official government statements and in accordance with international conventions. No changes to Chávez’s legal or asylum status have been announced following Brazil’s assumption of Mexico’s diplomatic representation in Peru.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.