Colombia and Bolivia expel ambassadors amid diplomatic crisis

On May 21, 2026, the Colombian Foreign Ministry announced the expulsion of Bolivian Ambassador Ariel Percy Molina Pimentel, following Bolivia's earlier decision to expel Colombian Ambassador Elizabeth Garcia. The Bolivian government accused the Colombian leadership of interfering in internal affairs after Colombian President Gustavo Petro described the ongoing anti-government protests in La Paz as a popular uprising. Since early May, Bolivia has faced significant unrest involving farmers, miners, and workers demanding the resignation of center-right President Rodrigo Paz amid a severe economic crisis. President Paz has alleged that the protests represent an attempted coup orchestrated by former leader Evo Morales, who currently faces an arrest warrant related to human trafficking allegations. In contrast, President Petro characterized the events as a response to geopolitical arrogance and offered to mediate the crisis. The United States government has publicly supported President Paz, with a senior official describing the unrest as a coup linked to organized crime.