Diplomatic Row: Brazil Expels Nicaraguan Ambassador Amid Rising Tensions

Brazil has expelled Nicaragua's ambassador in retaliation for Nicaragua's expulsion of Brazil's ambassador following his absence from Sandinista revolution celebrations. The incident highlights escalating tensions between President Lula and President Ortega, former allies now deeply at odds. Relations between the countries have since been frozen.

Brazil's government has retaliated against Nicaragua by expelling the Nicaraguan ambassador, the foreign ministry confirmed on Thursday. This move came after Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega expelled Brazil's ambassador over a missed anniversary celebration of the Sandinista revolution.

According to Brazil's foreign ministry, Brazilian Ambassador Breno da Costa was unable to attend the event due to orders from the ministry itself. Da Costa's absence spurred Nicaragua to take action, creating a diplomatic rift.

Former allies, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Ortega, have become deeply divided over the past year. Tensions were exacerbated after Ortega ignored a plea from Pope Francis to end repression against Catholic clergy, leading Lula to distance himself from Ortega.

(With inputs from agencies.)