# Costa Rica-Cuba diplomatic relations rupture

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/costa-rica-cuba-diplomatic-relations-rupture
> Updated: 2026-09-21T21:50:00.000Z. Sources: 25. Developments: 2.

Costa Rica has formally severed diplomatic relations with Cuba. Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar characterized the decision as a sovereign move to oppose a “vile tyranny” and a “tyrannical and despotic regime” that has denied freedom to the Cuban people. Tovar stated that ties will only be restored once democratic freedoms are established on the island.

The rupture follows the March 2026 closure of the Costa Rican embassy in Havana and a request for Cuba to withdraw personnel from San José due to human rights concerns. While formal ties are broken, the Cuban Consulate in San José remains operational for administrative tasks such as processing passports and certifications.

In addition to the diplomatic break, Costa Rica intends to review its voting position at the United Nations regarding the embargo on Cuba. Tovar indicated the country aims to avoid supporting condemnations of an embargo he believes was imposed by the Cuban regime itself. He explicitly denied that these actions were taken under pressure or guidance from the United States, despite accusations from Havana that Costa Rica was acting in subordination to U.S. interests.

## Claims

- Costa Rica has formally broken diplomatic relations with the Cuban regime. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Diplomatic relations will remain severed until Cuba achieves democratic freedom. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The decision to break relations was not made under pressure from the United States or any other government. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Cuban Consulate in San José remains operational for administrative tasks such as passports and certifications. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Costa Rica intends to review its voting behavior at the United Nations regarding the embargo on Cuba. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-21: Costa Rica formally severs diplomatic relations with Cuba

Costa Rica has formally severed diplomatic relations with Cuba, a move Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar says will last until the island achieves democratic freedom.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/costa-rica-formally-severs-diplomatic-relations-with-cuba

### 2026-09-19: Costa Rica breaks diplomatic relations with Cuba

Costa Rican Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar confirmed the rupture of diplomatic relations with Cuba, citing the need for democratic freedom on the island. Cuba claims it was never formally notified.

22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/costa-rica-severs-diplomatic-relations-with-cuba

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Cite as: Costa Rica-Cuba diplomatic relations rupture. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/costa-rica-cuba-diplomatic-relations-rupture