Former Petro Advisor is the new Colombian Ambassador to Chile

In a controversial decision, Sebastian Guanumen will be appointed as the new Colombian ambassador to Chile. Following speculation about the nomination of Gustavo Petro’s former campaign advisor, Sebastian Guanumen’s candidacy was officially listed on the “Presidential Candidates” (Aspirantes Presidencia) platform, which officially catalogs all Colombian public servants and their application for public roles.

As the sole candidate for the Colombian ambassadorship to Chile, Sebastian Guanumen’s expected nomination has reignited controversy over Gustavo Petro’s diplomatic appointments, for which the Colombian President has faced repeated criticism.

Who is the new Colombian ambassador to Chile?

Originating from the city of Sogamoso in the Boyaca Department, Sebastian Guanumen has rapidly climbed the political ladder. At only thirty years old he holds a Master’s Degree in Education and International Development from University College London and a professional Political Specialist certification from the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia.

His career includes a brief working experience with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation before being recruited as an advisor for Gustavo Petro’s 2022 presidential campaign, where he was in charge of the campaign’s communication strategy. He gained national attention when a private campaign speech was leaked, revealing him discussing “moving the ethical line” in reference to strategies aimed at tarnishing and discrediting the rival presidential candidate, Federico Gutierrez.

Gustavo Petro controversial appointments

After Gustavo Petro’s election, Sebastian Guanumen was appointed as the Colombian Consul to Chile in February 2023, a decision that was immediately criticized due to Guanumen’s complete lack of diplomatic experience, both academically and professionally.

Moreover, critics have highlighted significant connections between Sebastian Guanumen’s family and the public administration. Following Gustavo Petro’s election, Sebastian Guanumen’s family has benefited from public contracts and appointments, including the appointment of his father as Advisor to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Utilities. His sister and two of his aunts also received important contracts with public entities.  

In addition, Gustavo Petro has been criticized for his controversial diplomatic appointments, as he often prefers former collaborators with no diplomatic background over career diplomats. As such, the appointments of the current ambassador to Mexico, Moises Ninco Daza, as well as the Colombian consuls to Mexico city and Cancun, have been targeted by judicial authorities for being illegal, with the latter two even being removed from their positions.  

Colombia-Chile relationship

Chile and Colombia have a longstanding diplomatic history, with official bilateral relations established on October, 21, 1822 between Simon Bolivar and Bernardo O’Higgins, the respective founding fathers of Colombia and Chile’s Republics. Despite this historical connection, Gustavo Petro has failed to appoint an ambassador to Chile since taking office in August 2022, and the nomination of an inexperienced ambassador is unlikely to improve the situation.

Colombia and Chile are important trading partners, with total commercial exchanges between the two countries valued around US$ 2.57 billion in 2022, bolstered by a free trade agreement signed in 2006. Both member of the Pacific Alliance regional organization, Chile and Colombia also maintain strong political relations, with Chile playing a role in the Peace Process between Colombia and the far-left guerrilla groups FARC and ELN.

Additionally, there are also important human connections between the two nations, as Chile is home to a sizable Colombian community, estimated at around 160,000 individuals.