Kathmandu— Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has publicly condemned the actions of Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha Moya, calling his recent resumption of duties – followed by another request for leave – “reckless” and “not appropriate.” The governor is currently under investigation in the United States on drug-trafficking charges, marking the first time a sitting Mexican governor has faced such allegations from US authorities. Rocha’s actions have created friction within his own Morena party and prompted calls for restraint as the legal process unfolds.

Governor's Defiant Return and Subsequent Leave

Ruben Rocha Moya, 77, briefly returned to his post on Friday after a 112-day absence stemming from the April US indictment. He announced his return via X (formerly Twitter), stating he did so with a “clear conscience” and “head held high.” However, just days later, he requested another indefinite leave of absence, prompting criticism from both President Sheinbaum and members of his own Morena party. The party stated that Rocha’s decision to resume office was made without prior consultation or knowledge.

Political Fallout Within Morena

President Sheinbaum expressed her disapproval of Rocha's actions during a press conference, stating she had no prior knowledge of his return and has no intention of speaking with him. In a social media post seemingly directed at the governor, Sheinbaum emphasized that “no personal interest can ever come before the interests of the people and the nation.” Morena governors issued a joint statement asserting that “personal or group political projects have no place” when national interests are at stake. The Sinaloa state congress is expected to appoint an interim governor this week.

US Allegations and Diplomatic Tensions

The US indictment alleges that Rocha accepted bribes from the Sinaloa Cartel’s “Chapitos” faction in exchange for protecting their drug-smuggling operations – including fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine – to support his political career. The charges extend back to his 2021 election campaign, alleging cartel operatives intimidated opposition candidates and manipulated ballot results to secure his victory. These indictments, which also target nine other Mexican officials and businessmen, have fueled tensions between the US and Mexico. Sheinbaum has rejected Washington’s request for arrest and extradition without credible evidence, insisting any prosecution should occur within Mexico.

Broader Crackdown and Regional Violence

The case comes as US President Donald Trump seeks to intensify efforts against crime in the Western Hemisphere, including potentially labeling cartels like the Sinaloa Cartel as “foreign terrorist organizations” and even threatening military action in Mexico. The state of Sinaloa has been plagued by violence between rival cartel factions for the past two years. Following the indictment, several other officials in Sinaloa have resigned or turned themselves in to US authorities, including the mayor of Culiacan and the state’s deputy attorney general.

The situation remains fluid as the Sinaloa state congress prepares to appoint an interim governor and legal challenges surrounding Rocha's immunity continue. The case is expected to further strain relations between Mexico and the United States.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.