Ecuador has made a significant move by declaring Cuba’s ambassador, Basilio Antonio Gutiérrez, and his diplomatic team “persona non grata,” instructing them to depart the country within 48 hours. The decision was made within the legal framework of international diplomatic protocols, citing the Vienna Convention, which permits countries to expel diplomatic personnel without providing a specific reason.
Following the declaration, an incident occurred where an unidentified individual was observed burning a bag of papers on the roof of the Cuban Embassy in Quito. This act was captured by The Associated Press and later shared on social media by Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, who humorously referred to it as a “paper barbecue.” Ecuadorian officials did not disclose further details about the individual or the incident.
In response to Ecuador’s action, Cuba issued a strong statement denouncing the expulsion as an unfriendly and unprecedented act that harms the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the two nations. The Cuban Foreign Ministry criticized Ecuador’s government for disregarding diplomatic norms observed by the international community.
This decision by Ecuador comes shortly after President Noboa signed an executive order canceling the diplomatic duties of Ecuador’s ambassador to Cuba, José María Borja, without clarification. Additionally, the United States and Ecuador announced joint military operations against organized crime groups in Ecuador, showcasing Noboa’s commitment to combatting crime amid rising violence.
The expulsion of Cuban officials aligns with the increasing pressure exerted by U.S. President Donald Trump on Cuba, particularly following recent events in Venezuela. Trump’s administration has imposed restrictions on oil sales to Cuba, contributing to economic challenges in the country. Ecuador’s role as a U.S. ally in combating drug trafficking and organized crime in the region further underscores the strategic alignment between the two nations.
Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez suggested a link between Ecuador’s expulsion of Cuban diplomats and the U.S.’s pressure on Cuba, coinciding with an upcoming meeting of predominantly right-wing Latin American leaders in Miami. The expulsion underscores the fluctuating nature of Ecuador-Cuba bilateral relations that have evolved over the past six decades in response to political shifts in Ecuador.
Andrea Endara, a Political Science and International Relations coordinator at Casa Grande University, highlighted an ideological aspect to Ecuador’s decision, indicating President Noboa’s alignment with U.S. interests. This expulsion follows previous diplomatic controversies involving Ecuador and other Latin American nations, including a 2024 incident with Mexico and a recent trade dispute with Colombia over border security concerns.