Colombia’s president-elect, Abelardo de la Espriella, announced on Sunday his intention to sever diplomatic ties with Cuba and Nicaragua immediately upon taking office. The 47-year-old politician, who represents a hard-right faction and maintains support from the United States, is scheduled to be inaugurated on August 7th.

In addition to the diplomatic break with Havana and Managua, the incoming administration plans to close 15 consulates and 14 embassies worldwide. De la Espriella stated via social media that his government will maintain no relations with what he described as "tyrannies," specifically targeting the communist government of Cuba and the administration of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and his wife and co-president, Rosario Murillo. The closure of these diplomatic missions is part of a broader shift in the country's foreign policy under the new leadership.