Ecuador has declared Cuban Ambassador Basilio Antonio Gutiérrez and his diplomatic staff persona non grata, ordering them to depart the country within 48 hours. The Foreign Affairs Ministry announced the decision under international diplomatic law, without specifying reasons. The Vienna Convention permits such declarations without justification.
Incident at Cuban Embassy
A man appeared on the roof of the Cuban Embassy in Quito, burning a bag of papers in an oven shortly after the announcement. Witnesses observed the scene, and Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa shared video footage on social media, commenting, “A paper barbecue.” Officials have not elaborated on the event or identified the individual.
Cuba’s Strong Condemnation
Cuba’s government issued a sharp rebuke Wednesday night, labeling the expulsion an “unfriendly and unprecedented act” that harms longstanding ties of friendship and cooperation. The Foreign Ministry statement added that the move shows “contempt” for established diplomatic norms observed globally.
Recent Diplomatic Actions
The expulsion follows President Noboa’s executive order on Tuesday, which revoked the diplomatic credentials of Ecuador’s ambassador to Cuba, José María Borja, also without explanation. That same day, Ecuador and the United States launched joint military operations targeting organized crime in the Andean nation. Noboa positions himself as a firm leader against escalating violence from armed groups.
Broader Regional Pressures
Tensions align with intensified U.S. pressure on Cuba under President Donald Trump, heightened after a U.S. military action removed former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Cuba faces severe economic challenges in 2026, including fuel shortages from restricted oil supplies, leading to power outages and food scarcity. Analyst Peter Kornbluh, author of Back Channel to Cuba, describes this as an existential threat to Havana, yet notes mutual interest in negotiations.
Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez posted on X that the timing appears “no coincidence,” coinciding with U.S. regional influence and ahead of a Miami summit of Latin American leaders, which Noboa plans to attend. Ecuador collaborates with the U.S. on combating drug trafficking and crime.
Historical Context and Analysis
Bilateral relations between Ecuador and Cuba date back to 1960, fluctuating with Ecuadorian political changes. Political science expert Andrea Endara from Casa Grande University views the decision as having an “ideological component,” with Noboa aligning closely with U.S. interests.
This action echoes prior diplomatic frictions, including Ecuador’s 2024 raid on the Mexican embassy to detain a former vice president—deemed a violation of international law, prompting severed ties with Mexico. Recently, a trade dispute erupted with neighboring Colombia over border security and crime control.
