Nicaragua is expected to expel Brazil's ambassador Pointing to a Breakdown in Relations
Nicaragua is expected to expel Brazil's ambassador, Breno de Souza da Costa, marking a significant deterioration in diplomatic relations between the two countries. The expulsion, which could happen on Thursday, is seen as a response to Brazil's stance on the contested Venezuelan election, which President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva criticized for not releasing the results.
Tensions have been rising since last month when Ambassador Costa angered the Nicaraguan government by not attending the 45th anniversary celebrations of the Sandinista revolution. This led to threats of expulsion, which now seem likely to materialize. Additionally, relations have been strained since Lula attempted to broker the release of Catholic bishop Rolando José Álvarez, a vocal critic of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, at the request of Pope Francis. Ortega reportedly did not accept Lula's call on the matter.
In response to the expected expulsion, Brazil's Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira will consult with Lula on whether to retaliate by expelling the Nicaraguan envoy in Brasilia. This development underscores the growing rift between Brazil and some Latin American left-wing governments.
