Ecuador has declared Cuba's ambassador Basilio Gutierrez persona non grata and ordered him and embassy staff to leave within 48 hours. Cuba condemned the move as an "unfriendly and unprecedented act," suggesting US pressure on third countries played a role. Quito had recalled its own ambassador to Havana a day earlier, and small protests were held outside the Cuban embassy in Quito. Critics accused President Daniel Noboa of acting under US influence.
Ecuador Declares Cuban Ambassador Persona Non Grata — 48 Hours to Leave Amid Diplomatic Row
Members of Ecuador's military patrol in front of the Cuban embassy in Quito as the government announced it is expelling the island nation's ambassador (Rodrigo BUENDIA)(Rodrigo BUENDIA/AFP/AFP)
Ecuador on Wednesday declared Cuba's ambassador to Quito, Basilio Gutierrez, persona non grata and ordered him and the rest of his embassy staff to leave the country within 48 hours, the Ecuadorian foreign ministry announced.
Official Notice and Cuban Response
In an official statement the ministry said it was giving "48 hours... for the ambassador and all those working in this diplomatic mission to leave our national territory." The government did not provide a specific public explanation for the decision.
Havana called the move an "unfriendly and unprecedented act that seriously damages the history of friendly and cooperative ties between the two countries." The Cuban Foreign Ministry said the action appeared linked to "a strengthening of US aggression against Cuba, and by strong pressure applied by that government on third countries to join this policy."
Diplomatic Context
The announcement follows Quito's recall of its own ambassador from Havana a day earlier. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has been described in some reports as a close ally of US President Donald Trump; Cuba has accused the US of imposing a de facto energy blockade on the island, a charge the US disputes.
Domestic Reaction
A few dozen demonstrators gathered outside the Cuban embassy in Quito after the announcement, bringing flowers, signs and flags to protest. "This made me extremely indignant and ashamed," said Maria Augusta Calle, Ecuador's former ambassador to Cuba. Vladimir Paguay, a 51-year-old lawyer, accused President Noboa of "following directives from the US government."
What This Means
The expulsion marks a sharp deterioration in relations between Quito and Havana and could have broader regional implications if other states follow suit or if diplomatic channels remain closed. Ecuador has not released further details on the reasons for the declaration of persona non grata.
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