COURT REJECTS APPOINTMENT OF COLOMBIAN AMBASSADOR TO MEXICO

On November 24, 2023, the Administrative Court of Cundinamarca overturned the appointment of Álvaro Moisés Ninco as Colombia's ambassador to Mexico. The court decision was based on the fact that Ninco did not meet the requirements for the position, according to Law 734 of 2002, which establishes that ambassadors must have a master's degree or a doctorate in international relations or related social sciences.

Ninco, who is a lawyer by profession, has a master's degree in law, but does not meet the requirement for a master's or doctorate in international relations or related social sciences.

The lawsuit against Ninco's appointment was filed by senators Paloma Valencia and Adriana Marcela Sánchez. The senators argued that Ninco's appointment was unconstitutional, since it violated the law that establishes the requirements for the position of ambassador.

The Administrative Court of Cundinamarca ruled in favor of the senators and declared the annulment of Ninco's appointment. The court ordered the Government of Colombia to appoint a new ambassador to Mexico who meets the requirements established by law.

The appointment of Ninco as ambassador of Mexico was one of the first controversial appointments of the government of President Gustavo Petro. The appointment was criticized by several sectors, including the political opposition, the academics and diplomats.

The decision of the Administrative Court of Cundinamarca is a setback for the Petro government. The government will have to appoint a new ambassador to Mexico, and it will have to do so at a time when relations between Colombia and Mexico are important for both countries.

Impact of the decision

The decision of the Administrative Court of Cundinamarca could have a significant impact on relations between Colombia and Mexico. Ninco's appointment as ambassador was seen by some as an attempt by the Petro government to distance itself from Mexico.

The new ambassador appointed by the Petro government could be a sign of how the government wants to handle relations with Mexico. If the new ambassador is an experienced diplomat with a good relationship with Mexico, he could help improve relations between the two countries.

However, if the new ambassador is a person close to the Petro government, the trend of distancing between Colombia and Mexico could continue.