Colombia has officially granted political asylum to Ricardo Martinelli, the former President of Panama, marking a significant development in a long-standing diplomatic situation. Martinelli, who served as Panama's president from 2009 to 2014, left the Nicaraguan Embassy in Panama on Saturday, where he had been seeking refuge since February 2024. This move comes after months of tension between Martinelli and the Panamanian government, stemming from legal challenges he faced in his home country.The Colombian Foreign Ministry released a statement confirming that President Gustavo Petro Urrego personally communicated the decision to grant asylum to the Panamanian authorities. The statement emphasized that the decision was made after careful consideration of international norms and Colombia's commitment to protecting individuals facing political persecution. Martinelli's departure from the Nicaraguan Embassy, where he had been sheltered for several months, was facilitated following this announcement. While specific details about the reasons for asylum were not fully disclosed in public statements, the Colombian government underscored its adherence to principles of humanitarian protection.This development has sparked discussions about the implications for Panama-Colombia relations. Martinelli, a prominent figure in Panamanian politics, was convicted in 2023 on charges related to money laundering, a case that he and his supporters have claimed was politically motivated. His request for asylum and subsequent sheltering in the Nicaraguan Embassy had already drawn international attention, and Colombia's decision to grant him protection is likely to further complicate diplomatic ties in the region. The Panamanian government has yet to issue a detailed response to Colombia's actions, but the situation remains a point of contention as both nations navigate this high-profile case.