The Colombian government has recalled its ambassador to Mexico, Alvaro Moises Ninco, following a court ruling that declared his appointment invalid and which was confirmed by the Council of State, the highest administrative court.

In a decree signed by Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo and published by local media, the government clarifies that this is a decision for which “no appeal is possible, since it is an act of execution.”

In November 2023, the Administrative Court of Cundinamarca declared Ninco’s appointment as Ambassador to Mexico null and void, a position he had assumed in February of that year, because “the administration did not know the deadline for the publication of the resumes of candidates for the position of the “Regulation of Free Appointment and Removal”, and citizens’ comments on the candidate’s resume.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs appealed the court decision, but on August 9 the State Council confirmed it because it “found that there had been a violation of the citizens’ right to participation” and the comments of the Civil Servants Union were not taken into account. Diplomatic and Consular Career account (Unidiplo).

Ninko’s appointment was controversial because the government appointed him to the position despite the fact that “has no professional title and he has only two and a half years of experience,” said opposition senator Paloma Valencia, who filed a complaint against his removal from office.

The decision comes as Colombian President Gustavo Petro visits Mexico to attend the inauguration of Claudia Sheinbaum as the country’s new president tomorrow.

At an event at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, Peter mentioned the order to fire Ninko.