Despite receiving a minority of political support, the balance of power is in favor of the regime who dominates the repressive apparatus and possesses economic resources to maintain control and seek a dynastic succession. The magnitude of repression, as well as the noise of various international conflicts, render international mobilization difficult. However, the international community must confer greater importance to the Nicaraguan crisis in the global agenda.
The following is a presentation from the Migration, Remittances, and Development Program that provides a robust overview of Nicaraguan migration in recent years, its drivers, and its impacts.
Testimony by Co-Chair President Laura Chinchilla to the Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Civilian Security, Migration and International Economic Policy on the International Response to Ortega’s Destruction of Democracy in Nicaragua.
As Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega continues a relentless and unprecedented wave of repression against political opponents, the Inter-American Dialogue hosted the event “Nicaragua’s Wave of Repression: What Next?” on July 9 to discuss the political and economic impact of the Ortega regime, solutions to the ongoing crisis, and its potential impact on the region.
On March 30, 2021, the Inter-American Dialogue, with support from Global Affairs Canada, hosted the online event “Freedom of Expression and Elections in Nicaragua”. The panel discussed how restrictions on freedom of the press have affected journalism in the country, and how these restrictions will impact the upcoming elections on November 7 of this year.
Manuel Orozco outlines how Daniel Ortega’s regime is using the Covid-19 pandemic as an opportunity to ensure political survival. Regardless of the measure used, Nicaragua is the country that has least adhered to efforts to mitigate the pandemic. The consequences of the government’s inaction are deadly.
On November 26, 2019, The Inter-American Dialogue hosted the event “Failed Democratic Order in Nicaragua” in response to the report recently released by the OAS High-Level Commission on Nicaragua. The report followed the General Assembly’s June 2019 mandate calling for an assessment of the political situation in the country.
On November 19, 2019, the Inter-American Dialogue, in partnership with the Committee to Protect Journalists, hosted the event, “Attacks on Press Freedom in Nicaragua.” The conversation centered around the Nicaraguan government’s persistent attempts to stifle freedom of expression since anti-government protests broke out in April 2018.
Las acciones recientes del gobierno de Daniel Ortega incitando la violencia, permitiendo la humillación y la tortura policial, fomentando que otros hagan lo mismo, representan la continuidad de la autoridad política por la vía de la transgresión.
On December 20, 2018, the Inter-American Dialogue and Reporters Without Borders hosted an event at the Dialogue titled “Attacks on Press Freedom and Civil Society in Nicaragua.”
The current and sustained political instability in Nicaragua paints a worrisome picture. As a result, migration to Costa Rica, and likely to other countries, has grown significantly.
On September 24, the Inter-American Dialogue hosted a conversation between Valdrack Jaentschke, Nicaragua’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Dialogue President Michael Shifter. The conversation began with introductory observations on some of the most poignant issues currently going on in Nicaragua; where according to the OAS and UN, protests against the Ortega regime have been met with repression from the government.
Last week, Nicaragua marked the 39th anniversary of the end of the Somoza dictatorship amidst violent protests that have taken the lives of more than 300 people. Manuel Orozco talked with CBS News about Ortega’s regime and the need for a democratic solution.
En este episodio de Foro Interamericano, Manuel Orozco conversa sobre la situación de represión en Nicaragua, la fase en la que se encuentra el conflicto, y las posibles alternativas de salida para Daniel Ortega.
Michael Shifter fue entrevistado por NTN24 acerca de la crisis en Nicaragua. Frente a la tensión política que se vive en el país, Shifter opinó que “puede ser que Ortega intente seguir con la represión contra la oposición y puede funcionar por un tiempo, pero no creo que le vaya a funcionar a la larga, creo que no va a llegar a 2021. Es difícil imaginar que Ortega termine hasta el final de su mandato.”
