Mexico’s Sheinbaum condemns governor’s return amid US drug charges
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has criticized Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha Moya for attempting to return to office while under investigation for US drug-trafficking charges. Rocha, who had previously taken a leave of absence, has faced internal pressure from his own party regarding the political fallout.
Why it matters
The situation underscores the political instability and corruption challenges facing Mexican leadership in the context of US-Mexico relations and drug enforcement.
President Sheinbaum criticises Governor Rocha’s return amid US drug charges, calling it ‘reckless’ and ‘inappropriate’.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Governor of Sinaloa Ruben Rocha Moya speaks while leaving the inauguration ceremony of Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum in October 2024 [AFP] By Reuters and The Associated Press Published On 24 Aug 2026 24 Aug 2026 Mexico’s president has said it was “reckless” and “not appropriate” for a Mexican governor to return to his post while facing a domestic investigation following United States drug-trafficking allegations.
Governor Ruben Rocha Moya, 77, of Mexico’s Sinaloa state, which is located in the northwest of the country, had requested another temporary, indefinite leave of absence from his post, just days after defiantly reclaiming office for a day.
Now, however, he faces a backlash from his Morena party, the same political party as Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
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