U.S. and Colombia summon back diplomatic envoys amid accusations and political turmoil

Department of Research, Studies and International News 04-07-2025

A growing political and diplomatic crisis between Colombia and the United States has reached a boiling point, with both nations recalling their top envoys amid accusations of foreign interference and internal conspiracies. The once close relationship between Bogotá and Washington is now strained by mutual distrust, diverging political agendas, and suspicions of destabilization efforts targeting Colombia’s progressive leadership.

The diplomatic rupture began with the abrupt recall of U.S. Chargé d’Affaires John McNamara. The U.S. State Department, through spokesperson Tammy Bruce, cited “baseless and reprehensible statements” from the Colombian government but failed to clarify the nature of these remarks. She added that Washington was considering further steps to express its “deep concern” over the deteriorating state of relations.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro, widely recognized for his independent and left-leaning policies, responded swiftly by recalling Colombia’s ambassador to Washington, Daniel García-Peña. In a post on social media, Petro explained that the ambassador was being summoned to report on the current direction of the bilateral agenda, including issues such as clean energy cooperation and the ongoing fight against narcotics trafficking and illicit financial networks.

This diplomatic escalation coincides with serious domestic developments in Colombia. Prosecutors have launched an investigation into an alleged plot to oust President Petro, reportedly involving both Colombian and U.S. far-right political figures. The Spanish newspaper El País published leaked recordings that allegedly implicate Colombia’s former foreign minister, Álvaro Leyva, in a scheme to subvert the sitting government.

“This appears to be a conspiracy involving drug traffickers and elements from the extreme right in Colombia and the United States,” Petro declared earlier this week.

Though Petro later downplayed the possibility of direct involvement by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whom he had previously mentioned in relation to the alleged plot, he nonetheless underscored the threat posed by foreign interference. “I do not believe that a government engaged in hostilities with Iran and armed with nuclear capabilities would risk destabilizing another sovereign state through a coup attempt,” he stated during a public address in Bogotá.

These tensions come after a series of confrontations in recent months. Earlier this year, Petro condemned the treatment of Colombian migrants deported by the U.S., accusing American authorities of inhumane practices such as shackling deportees. In retaliation, the U.S. briefly halted consular services in Colombia, and both sides exchanged threats of steep trade tariffs, reaching up to 50%.

An impending trade war was narrowly avoided through a behind-the-scenes agreement that involved Colombian military aircraft retrieving the deported nationals, a move that temporarily deescalated the situation.

However, the friction between the two nations continues to grow. Colombia has recently refused a U.S. request to extradite two rebel leaders accused of drug trafficking. This move reflects Petro’s broader commitment to peacebuilding and national sovereignty, standing in contrast to the coercive and punitive tactics often employed by Washington in the region.

Meanwhile, domestic instability in Colombia has further complicated matters. Last month, deadly bombings in the southwestern city of Cali claimed seven lives, and a failed assassination attempt targeted opposition senator and presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe Turbay at a rally in Bogotá. These acts of violence have stirred memories of Colombia’s turbulent past, characterized by political assassinations and insurgency-linked attacks.

The latest blow to Petro’s administration came with the resignation of Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia, a close ally and former chief of staff. In her resignation statement, she cited recent government decisions that conflicted with her principles and institutional values.

The overall picture emerging is one of deepening political polarization within Colombia and a decisive shift away from Washington’s sphere of influence. The historical alliance forged during Colombia’s decades of conservative governance now appears to be unraveling, as Petro forges a new path grounded in national dignity and regional solidarity.

This deterioration of U.S.-Colombia relations is emblematic of a broader decline in Washington’s hegemony across Latin America. As leaders like Petro increasingly reject Western tutelage and seek partnerships with nations like China, Russia, and Iran, the region is moving toward a multipolar future where sovereignty and independent policy choices take precedence over outdated alliances.