BOGOTA/LA PAZ – Colombia's Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday that it has expelled Ariel Percy Molina Pimentel, charge d'affaires of the Bolivian Embassy in Colombia, in a reciprocal move after Bolivia asked Colombia's ambassador to leave the country.

In a statement, the ministry said the decision was taken under Article 9 of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, following Bolivia's recent decision regarding the presence of Colombian Ambassador Elizabeth Garcia in that country.

The Bolivian government said the decision was made under its sovereign powers and in line with international law and the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations after Colombian President Gustavo Petro commented on Bolivia's internal unrest. 

Saying that the move was aimed at preserving sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs and mutual respect between states, the Bolivian Foreign Ministry stressed that the decision "does not constitute a rupture of diplomatic relations" with Colombia or affect the countries' historic ties of friendship and cooperation.

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In an interview with Colombian media outlet Caracol, Petro said that his only intention was to act as an intermediary amid Bolivia's social crisis, especially in La Paz, where the government has announced reinforced military and police deployments to contain new protests.

On Sunday, Petro said on X that Bolivia was experiencing a "popular insurrection" and that he was willing to help seek a peaceful solution to what he called the country's political crisis.

Bolivia rejected the remarks, saying any external comments on its internal situation should be made with diplomatic prudence and full respect for its democratic and constitutional institutions.

The Bolivian Foreign Ministry said Bolivia's political and social differences must be resolved within the country's constitutional framework, through democratic, institutional and peaceful means, without foreign interference.

Bolivia said that, in accordance with international law and mutual respect, it remains willing to keep diplomatic and institutional channels open with Colombia.

The diplomatic dispute comes as Bolivia faces mass protests, violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces, and road blockades against the government of Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz.

Since Monday, demonstrations have reached La Paz, where protesters have clashed with police, attempted to enter Plaza Murillo in La Paz, and carried out attacks on public and private property.