Nicaragua: At least 11 killed in sociopolitical unrest May 30 /update 20

Event

Protests, often marred with violence and highly disruptive, continue to be held on a regular basis amid the sociopolitical crisis ongoing in Nicaragua since mid-April. On Wednesday, May 30, a large march organized by a mothers' group to denounce the violence - notably mothers whose children have been killed - was forcibly dispersed by security forces, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 people and leaving 79 others wounded. Security forces, including pro-government paramilitary groups, were reportedly acting under orders from President Daniel Ortega to crack down on the gathering. On Thursday, May 31, bishops from the Episcopal Conference of Nicaragua announced that they have suspended their involvement in brokering peace talks between student-led demonstrators and the government of President Ortega following Wednesday's clashes, given the continuation of state-sanctioned violence against protesters. 

There are growing calls from inside Nicaragua for the international community to intervene and business leaders have called for early elections to be held to replace Ortega. Means of communication have been censored and blocked throughout the protest movement and further cuts are likely, particularly in days when larger protests are anticipated. Journalists and news outlets have also been targeted.

The US Embassy was closed on May 31, citing "widespread, unpredictable violence and traffic disruptions on May 29-30." It is possible that the embassy will remain closed for an extended period of time due to the current situation. The full statement is available here. Some countries, including France, continue to advise their nationals to postpone nonessential travel to the country until further notice.

Context

The unrest has been ongoing now for 43 days (as of May 30) and has affected numerous areas of the country, notably Masaya, Managua, Matagalpa, Estelí, Sebaco, León, Granada, Bluefields, Jinotepe, and Tipitapa. Regular protests have repeatedly led to deadly clashes, looting, and other violence, leaving more than 90 people dead. Hundreds of others have been injured or arrested. Mediation efforts overseen by the Catholic Church broke down last week.

Advice

Individuals in Nicaragua are advised to closely monitor the situation, strictly avoid all protests due to the risk of violence and arrest, and adhere to any advice issued by their home governments.