Embattled Governor Rubén Rocha Moya of Sinaloa, Mexico, has requested an indefinite leave of absence. This comes shortly after his brief return to office following a three-month absence due to U.S. drug trafficking charges.
Rocha, 77, shared his request on social media. He asked for a “temporary leave of an indefinite nature, for more than 30 days.” The letter, dated August 22, was received by the Sinaloa State Congress on the same day. It lacks details on his return or reasons for his departure.
Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya reappeared at the inauguration of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum in Mexico City on October 1, 2024. (Jose Luis Torales/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
His request follows his brief return to office, during which Rocha emphasized his duty to fulfill the mandate until 2027. “Today, I return to the exercise of my responsibility as Governor of Sinaloa with a clear conscience,” Rocha posted on his account.
Rocha explained his 112-day absence was to cooperate with Mexican authorities regarding “false accusations” from the U.S. government. He participated in investigations conducted by Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office and claimed the inquiry yielded no evidence against him.
He alleged that both domestic and international political opponents are attacking the country’s sovereignty and the left-wing movement he endorses. “I am unrelated to and innocent of the fabrications woven against me,” Rocha stated.
However, his return was not well-received by Mexico’s ruling Morena party or President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government. Morena noted they were unaware of Rocha’s decision and distanced themselves from it. Mexico’s Interior Ministry affirmed the decision was Rocha’s own and highlighted the ongoing investigation.
“No personal interest can ever stand above the interests of the people and the Nation,” Sheinbaum expressed on social media. (Daniel Cardenas/Getty Images)
Sheinbaum also asserted, “Mexico deserves public servants who understand that positions are temporary, but responsibility to the Nation is eternal.”
Earlier this year, U.S. prosecutors charged Rocha along with nine other officials, accusing them of drug trafficking and weapon offenses linked to the Sinaloa cartel. Rocha is the first current Mexican governor to face such charges from the U.S.
The legal case has strained U.S.-Mexico relations. Sheinbaum termed the charges as foreign interference. Meanwhile, Mexico claims the U.S. has not provided sufficient evidence for Rocha’s arrest or extradition.