A group of retired officers from Peru's Navy has demanded the immediate expulsion of the Cuban ambassador in Lima, Carlos Rafael Zamora Rodríguez, known as "El Gallo." They accuse him of being an intelligence operative for Havana rather than a legitimate diplomat. This accusation was made public in a letter by the Naval Union group and supported by Honor and Democracy congressman José Cueto, warning that the ambassador's presence poses a threat to national security.
According to Perú21, former naval officers claim that Zamora and his wife were trained by the Soviet-era KGB, suggesting their true mission in the Andean country is to infiltrate, recruit, and incite in favor of radical leftist movements in Latin America. The statement underscores Cuba's close ties with Venezuela's chavismo and Nicaragua's sandinismo, as well as its involvement in political unrest in countries like Colombia, Chile, and Bolivia.
Concerns Over Zamora’s Activities
Mistrust towards Zamora Rodríguez is not new. During the short-lived presidency of Pedro Castillo, then Interior Minister Willy Huerta held a meeting with the Cuban ambassador that was never recorded on the Transparency portal. Additionally, the retired officials questioned the arrival of 85 Cuban doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic, claiming there is no information on their activities or whether they remain in Peru.
Perú21 has documented Zamora's connections with leaders of the Peru Libre party since 2021 and his role in local leftist political gatherings. The Naval Union has echoed these warnings, urging President Dina Boluarte's government to downgrade diplomatic relations with Cuba to a purely consular level, similar to its relationship with Venezuela.
Zamora Under Scrutiny
Zamora Rodríguez's role has been contentious since his appointment as ambassador in Lima in December 2021. His diplomatic career includes assignments in Ecuador, Panama, Brazil, El Salvador, and Bolivia, where he allegedly collaborated with Evo Morales during the 2019 post-electoral crisis. Regional experts and media describe him as an agent of Cuba’s Intelligence Directorate, with a history of alleged interference and political destabilization.
Analysts cited by CiberCuba warned upon his arrival that Havana maintains a well-established intelligence network in Peru, capable of infiltrating the military, parliament, and media. "For the safety and peace of our nation, especially ahead of the 2026 elections, we urge that Mr. Carlos Zamora and his wife promptly leave Peru," concludes the letter from the retired officers, as cited by Perú21.
This demand once again strains the diplomatic ties between Lima and Havana and raises a fundamental question resonating across Latin America: Is the Cuban embassy merely a diplomatic bridge, or is it also a covert intelligence hub?
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Diplomacy and Security Concerns in Peru
Why are Peruvian officials calling for the expulsion of the Cuban ambassador?
Peruvian officials are demanding the expulsion of the Cuban ambassador because they believe he is acting as an intelligence operative for Cuba, posing a threat to national security.
What accusations have been made against Carlos Rafael Zamora Rodríguez?
Zamora Rodríguez is accused of being trained by the Soviet KGB and engaging in activities that support radical leftist movements in Latin America, rather than fulfilling a diplomatic role.
What impact does this situation have on Peru-Cuba relations?
The situation strains diplomatic relations between Peru and Cuba, prompting discussions about reducing diplomatic ties to a consular level and questioning the true role of the Cuban embassy.