Ecuador has declared Cuba’s ambassador, Basilio Antonio Gutiérrez, and his diplomatic staff persona non grata, ordering them to leave the country within 48 hours. The Foreign Affairs Ministry announced the decision under international diplomatic law, without providing a specific reason. The Vienna Convention permits such declarations without explanation.
Embassy Incident Sparks Attention
Shortly after the announcement, a man appeared on the roof of the Cuban Embassy in Quito, burning a bag of papers in an oven. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa shared video of the event on social media, commenting bluntly, “A paper barbecue.” Officials have not identified the individual or offered further details on the matter.
Cuba Strongly Condemns Expulsion
Cuba’s government issued a sharp rebuke late Wednesday, labeling the action an “unfriendly and unprecedented act that significantly damages the historic relations of friendship and cooperation between both countries.” The Foreign Ministry added that it shows “contempt of the current government of Ecuador for the diplomatic practices and courtesies observed by the international community.”
Recent Diplomatic Moves
The expulsion follows President Noboa’s executive order on Tuesday, which canceled the diplomatic duties of Ecuador’s ambassador to Cuba, José María Borja, also without explanation. That same day, the United States and Ecuador launched joint military operations targeting organized crime groups in the Andean nation. Noboa has positioned himself as a firm leader against rising armed violence.
Context of U.S. Pressure on Cuba
The move occurs against a backdrop of intensified U.S. pressure on Cuba under President Donald Trump, escalating after a U.S. military operation removed former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Cuba faces severe economic challenges in 2026, including fuel shortages that have caused power outages and food scarcity due to restrictions on oil sales. Expert Peter Kornbluh, author of Back Channel to Cuba, describes this as an existential threat to the Cuban government, though both sides retain interest in negotiations.
Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez posted on X that the timing appears “no coincidence,” aligning with U.S. pressure on regional governments ahead of a Miami meeting of Latin American leaders, which Noboa plans to attend. Ecuador and Cuba have maintained relations since 1960, fluctuating with Ecuadorian political changes.
Analyst Points to Ideological Factors
Andrea Endara, coordinator of Political Science and International Relations at Casa Grande University, views the decision as having an “ideological component.” She notes that Noboa has aligned with U.S. interests. This follows other regional diplomatic tensions, including Ecuador’s 2024 raid on the Mexican embassy and a recent trade dispute with Colombia over border security.
