Why did Venezuela and Ecuador leave Gran Colombia?

The dissolution of Gran Colombia (1819–1830) was driven primarily by internal instability, regional jealousies, and intense competition for political power.12

The collapse was characterized by the following factors:

• Regional Rivalries: The republic struggled with deep-seated regional tensions and competition between civilian and military leaders for public office.13
• The Venezuelan Rebellion: In 1826, a significant rebellion broke out in Venezuela led by General José Antonio Páez. Although Simón Bolívar returned from Peru to restore order, he was only able to secure a temporary acknowledgment of his personal authority rather than long-term unity.14
• Political Failure: Efforts to reorganize the state, including the Convention of Ocaña and Bolívar’s subsequent dictatorship (1828–1830), failed to resolve the growing discontent. By 1829, it became evident that there was insufficient support for the republic’s continued existence.13

By the time Bolívar resigned and the Convention of 1830 took place, both Venezuela and Ecuador had seceded, leaving New Granada (modern-day Colombia and Panama) as the remaining entity.123