Brazil expels Nicaraguan ambassador in response to diplomatic gesture
The Nicaraguan government has expelled Brazil's ambassador to Managua after Breno Dias da Costa's absence from the 45th anniversary of the Sandinista Revolution provoked the anger of Daniel Ortega's administration. The ceremony occurred on July 19.
In response to Ortega’s decision, the Brazilian Foreign Ministry has expelled Fulvia Patricia Castro Matus, the head of the Nicaraguan Embassy in Brasília. This action, based on the principle of reciprocity, ensures that Brazil applies the same measures to other countries as those imposed on it. The Brazilian ministry’s press office confirmed the decision.
About 15 days ago, the Ortega government notified the Brazilian diplomatic service of its intention to expel the Brazilian diplomat in Nicaragua. This decision stemmed from the diplomat’s failure to attend the anniversary of the 1979 revolution that overthrew the Somoza family's 40-year dictatorship.
The ministry clarified that this action does not signify a severance of diplomatic relations. It also assured that consular services for the Brazilian community in Nicaragua will continue uninterrupted. There are approximately 180 Brazilian nationals residing in the Central American country.
In practice, the expulsion of ambassadors diminishes the diplomatic representation between Nicaragua and Brazil. Ambassadors hold the highest level of representation for their countries in foreign nations. In international relations, such expulsions are typically political gestures indicating dissatisfaction.
Bishop arrested
Relations between the two countries have been tense since President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva attempted, at Pope Francis's request, to negotiate the release of Rolando Álvarez, the Catholic bishop of Matagalpa, who was detained by Nicaraguan authorities. In a press conference with foreign media in July, Lula revealed that Ortega had not responded to his requests for dialogue.
The Nicaraguan government has faced criticism from international human rights organizations and various countries, particularly the United States, which accuse President Daniel Ortega of repressing opposition and persecuting critics through arbitrary arrests.
