Washington Recalls Acting U.S. Ambassador to Colombia

• Washington recalls McNamara for urgent consultations.
• The move follows an alleged plot to oust President Petro.
• There has been no U.S. ambassador in Colombia since 2022.
• The tensions connect to Colombia’s first left-wing president, Petro.
• U.S. sources dismissed calls for pressure to remove Petro.

Details Surrounding the Ambassadors Recall

Washington has officially recalled John T. McNamara, the acting U.S. ambassador to Colombia, for what they call “urgent consultations.” This move, announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is taking place amid rising tensions following what Rubio described as “baseless and reprehensible statements from the highest levels of the Government of Colombia.” It is a notable escalation in diplomatic relations, especially just days after Spanish daily El País reported on purported plans to remove Colombian President Gustavo Petro from office, potentially implicating U.S. political figures in the controversy.

Historical Context of U.S.-Colombian Relations

McNamara, who has served in this role since February 1, is the latest position to be vacated in a series of diplomatic tensions. The United States has not seen a permanent ambassador in Colombia since June 1, 2022, when Philip S. Goldberg, appointed during Trump’s presidency, left the post. The absence of consistent diplomatic leadership comes at a complex time, as Petro—who leads as Colombia’s first left-wing president—has been openly skeptical of Colombia’s traditionally close ties with Washington, leading to a strategic reevaluation from both sides despite their shared interests.

The Alleged Plot Against President Petro

The new political turmoil in Colombia began with claims of an alleged coup against President Petro. Reports indicate that Alvaro Leyva, former foreign minister under Petro, has been linked to attempts engaging notable U.S. leaders, notably Secretary Rubio, in efforts aimed at fostering international pressure for a leadership change. However, sources close to the U.S. Congress mentioned that the White House did not entertain this proposal, with Marco Rubio reportedly dismissing it as ridiculous. These developments compel the U.S. to reassess its diplomatic engagement even while emphasizing Colombia’s importance as a strategic partner in the region.

The recall of the acting U.S. ambassador to Colombia underscores escalating diplomatic tensions related to an alleged plot to oust President Petro. Despite historical ties and mutual concerns over stability and security, controversies continue to strain U.S.-Colombian relations. As both parties navigate this fraught landscape, the commitment to diplomatic cooperation remains paramount, though it is laced with notable complexity and challenges.