Brazil's government has expelled Nicaragua's ambassador in response to a similar action taken by Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega. The Brazilian foreign ministry stated that the expulsion of Nicaraguan Ambassador Fulvia Patricia Castro Matu was a reciprocal measure to Nicaragua's decision regarding the Brazilian ambassador in Managua, who has already left the country. Nicaragua confirmed that both ambassadors have left their positions without providing further details.
A growing rift between Ortega and Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, former allies, has been evident over the past year. Diplomatic sources revealed that Nicaragua protested over the absence of the Brazilian ambassador at celebrations of the 45th anniversary of Nicaragua's Sandinista revolution, leading to his expulsion. The sources also mentioned that the Brazilian ambassador was following orders from the foreign ministry.
Lula distanced himself from Ortega after the Nicaraguan leader disregarded a request from Pope Francis to halt repression against Catholic clergymen in Nicaragua. Amnesty International reported arbitrary arrests by Ortega's government, including that of Roman Catholic bishop Rolando Álvarez.
Brazil has now frozen relations with Nicaragua, resulting in no visits or meetings between leaders and diplomats of the two countries. The Nicaraguan embassy in Brazil confirmed that Matu had left the country before the finalization of Brazil's decision. The Brazilian foreign ministry clarified that its ambassador is expected to leave Nicaragua soon, emphasizing that this does not signify a complete break in diplomatic relations.
Nicaragua's Vice President Rosario Murillo did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the diplomatic dispute. Lula, during a news conference, mentioned that Ortega was not answering his calls. Benjamin Gedan, director of the Wilson Center's Latin America program, highlighted that Ortega's actions have isolated him further in the region, with few allies left.
