Costa Rica Rejects Cuban Government, Orders Embassy Closure

Costa Rica’s President Rodrigo Chaves announced today that his administration no longer recognises Cuba’s government as legitimate and will close the Cuban embassy in San José.

Speaking at a public event attended by the U.S. ambassador, Chaves said, “Costa Rica does not recognise the legitimacy of Cuba’s Communist regime, given the mistreatment, repression, and undignified conditions endured by the inhabitants of that beautiful island.”

The move marks a significant diplomatic shift and aligns Costa Rica more closely with Washington’s hardline stance toward Havana.

Earlier this week, U.S. President Donald Trump said he expected to have the “honor” of “taking Cuba in some form,” as his administration continues to tighten pressure on the island nation, contributing to widespread blackouts across the country. Power outages have affected homes, hospitals and businesses, while fuel shortages have disrupted transportation services, including Havana’s municipal waste collection system. In response, some residents have turned to solar panels as an alternative energy source.

Costa Rica’s announcement follows similar action by Ecuador, which earlier this month closed its Cuban embassy after declaring Cuban Ambassador Basilio Gutierrez and his diplomatic staff persona non grata.

Prime Minister John Briceño has said the government is engaged in “delicate negotiations”, while Opposition Leader Tracy Panton insists Belize must not bow to external demands. She argues that Cuba has been a steadfast ally, from supporting Belize’s independence to providing critical healthcare, and warns that rural clinics depend heavily on Cuban doctors.