Diplomatic Strain: Brazil Expels Nicaraguan Ambassador

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has expelled Nicaragua's ambassador after Nicaragua expelled Brazil's ambassador. This escalation points to deteriorating relations between Brazil and Nicaragua, rooted in disputes over Venezuela's election and failed diplomatic efforts involving Church figures.

In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has ordered the expulsion of Nicaragua's ambassador from Brasilia. The move comes in retaliation after Daniel Ortega's government expelled Brazilian Ambassador Breno de Souza da Costa.

Nicaraguan Vice-President Rosario Murillo confirmed that the Brazilian ambassador had already left Managua, and Nicaraguan diplomat Patricia Castro Matus would now return to Nicaragua for a post in the economy ministry. This series of events indicates a worsening relationship between Brazil and certain left-wing Latin American governments, compounded by a disagreement over Venezuela's contested presidential election results.

The diplomatic fallout began when Brazil's ambassador failed to attend the 45th anniversary celebrations of the Sandinista revolution, prompting Nicaragua to issue threats of expulsion. Relations have been strained since last year when Lula attempted, unsuccessfully, to mediate the release of jailed Catholic bishop and Ortega critic Rolando Jose Alvarez at the request of Pope Francis.

(With inputs from agencies.)