The Ecuadorian government has declared the Cuban ambassador in Quito, along with all diplomatic, consular, and administrative staff, as persona non grata, giving them 48 hours to leave the country.
Ecuador's President, Daniel Noboa, has also issued an executive decree terminating the role of Ecuador's ambassador to Cuba, José María Borja López, marking the end of his position as the head of Ecuador's diplomatic mission in Havana.
This decision was formally communicated by Ecuador's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility in a diplomatic note dated March 4, 2026, addressed to Cuba's Embassy in Ecuador.
Reasons Behind Ecuador's Diplomatic Move
The Ecuadorian foreign ministry stated that this measure is in line with Article 9 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961, which allows a state to declare members of a diplomatic mission as persona non grata.
The order affects Ambassador Basilio Antonio Gutiérrez García and all accredited diplomatic, consular, and administrative staff at the Cuban embassy in Quito.
Implications and Notifications
The official document specifies that, in accordance with diplomatic practice, the Ecuadorian government grants 48 hours for the ambassador and the specified officials to exit the national territory following notification.
The measure was reported by Prensa Latina, noting that the notification was issued by the Directorate of Ceremonial and Protocol of Ecuador's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, affecting all personnel of the Cuban diplomatic mission.
Furthermore, the Ecuadorian digital media outlet Periodismo EC highlighted that the decision was communicated along with the official document circulating on social media, confirming the persona non grata declaration of the ambassador and the rest of the embassy staff.
According to reports cited by Prensa Latina, the Ecuadorian foreign ministry indicated it would provide more details on the matter throughout the day.
Key Questions About Ecuador's Diplomatic Expulsion
What prompted Ecuador to expel the Cuban embassy staff?
The exact reasons have not been fully disclosed, but the action is in line with the Vienna Convention, which allows such measures under certain diplomatic tensions.
How long do the Cuban diplomats have to leave Ecuador?
The Cuban diplomats have been given a 48-hour period to exit Ecuador following the official notification.
What is the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations?
It is a treaty that defines a framework for diplomatic relations between independent countries, including the declaration of persona non grata.