Dominican Republic orders the departure of nine Cuban diplomats under Article 9 of the Vienna Convention
The Government of the Dominican Republic has made the decision to request the departure from the country of nine diplomats belonging to the Cuban Embassy in Santo Domingo, along with their immediate family members. The measure, which affects a total of 21 people, is based on Article 9 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, a regulation that empowers a receiving State to declare members of a foreign delegation as persona non grata without the obligation to state the specific reasons for the decision.
In accordance with the issued provisions, the group has until this Sunday, August 16, as the deadline to leave Dominican territory. So far, the Dominican Foreign Ministry has remained reserved regarding the specific causes that motivated this diplomatic action, which occurs in a scenario of growing regional tension.
The scope of Article 9 of the Vienna Convention
This legal mechanism allows a sovereign country to request the withdrawal of diplomatic officials when their presence is considered inconvenient for the interests of the receiving State. Once this decision is communicated, the sending State has the duty to withdraw its personnel or terminate their diplomatic functions within a reasonable period. If this is not fulfilled, the host country is empowered to withdraw official recognition from said officials.
Context of the relations between Santo Domingo and Havana
This measure marks a turning point in the recent history of bilateral relations, which were fully restored in 1998 after decades of interruption. Over the last few months, various signs of political distancing have been observed. Last May, President Luis Abinader referred to the nature of the Cuban political system, and subsequently, the country abstained in a key vote at the United Nations regarding the U.S. embargo against the island. Likewise, the exclusion of Cuba, along with Nicaragua and Venezuela, from the X Summit of the Americas, scheduled to be held in Punta Cana, has been another point of friction.
The application of Article 9 is a standard tool in international law that allows States to manage their foreign relations without the need to publicly disclose the details underlying such security or foreign policy measures.
Regional outlook and reactions
The Dominican administration’s decision adds to a series of diplomatic moves in Latin America during 2026. Countries like Ecuador have taken similar measures against Cuban missions, while other nations have opted to reduce their levels of diplomatic representation with Havana. For its part, the Cuban government has publicly questioned these actions, describing them in various forums as the result of external pressures.
Alofoke Deportes will continue to follow up on this case, awaiting an official statement from the Dominican Foreign Ministry that may shed more light on this new chapter in regional diplomacy.
