Colombia's US-backed President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella announced on July 26, 2026, that his incoming administration will sever diplomatic ties with Cuba and Nicaragua.
The right-wing leader, set to take office on August 7, 2026, also plans to shut down 14 embassies and 15 consulates worldwide to redirect funds toward national security.
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Espriella outlined his diplomatic strategy during a public address on social media, stating, "In my government, there will be no link with tyrannies."
Embassy Closures and Openings
The restructuring includes shuttering Colombian embassies in Algeria, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Cuba, the Czech Republic, Ethiopia, Ghana, Haiti, Hungary, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Romania, Senegal, and South Africa.
While official diplomatic severance applies specifically to Havana and Managua, affected citizens in other locations will receive support through alternative diplomatic missions.
Additionally, Espriella announced plans to reopen Colombia's embassy in Israel, suspend the embassy installation in Palestinian Territories, open a mission in Nigeria, and merge offices in France and Italy.
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The foreign policy overhaul aims to reduce spending and strengthen internal security, health, education, and infrastructure.
Outgoing leftist President Gustavo Petro sharply criticized his successor's alignment with Washington following military parades commemorating Colombia's Independence Day in Bogota.
Petro stated that Espriella "directly obeys the United States Department of State," according to lefigaro. fr.
Petro, who has not recognized the election results and alleged foreign interference by US President Donald Trump, called for nationwide demonstrations ahead of the August 7 handover.
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Tensions between Bogota and Washington escalated during Trump's second term, marked by repeated friction with Petro's administration prior to the leadership transition.
