Colombia’s President-elect vows to break ties with Cuba, Nicaragua

Colombia’s hard-right president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella vowed on Sunday (July 26, 2026) to break off diplomatic relations with Cuba and Nicaragua when he takes office on August 7.

Mr. De la Espriella said he will also close 15 consulates and 14 embassies in countries including Algeria, Barbados, Ethiopia, Haiti, Hungary, Senegal and South Africa.

“In my government, there will be no ties with tyrannies,” Mr. De la Espriella said in a social media post, referring to the leftist governments of Cuba and Nicaragua.

However, he said the decisions “do not mean breaking off diplomatic relations” with the other countries.

“With the rest of the countries and organisations, Colombia will maintain its international relations and will guarantee attention for its nationals through other embassies,” he said.

The President-elect, whose election campaign centred on “iron fist” security policies, said closing embassies would allow the government to redirect money to security.

Mr. De la Espriella announced plans to open an embassy in Jerusalem in July as he seeks to restore ties with Israel.

Outgoing President Gustavo Petro severed ties with Israel in 2024 over its Gaza offensive.

Mr. De la Espriella said he also plans to open an embassy in Nigeria, which “will make it possible to reorganise and make more efficient” Colombia’s presence in Africa.