09 May 2018 | 10:56 AM UTC
Nicaragua: Further anti-government protests in Managua May 9 /update 9
Further anti-government protests are scheduled in Managua on May 9; strictly avoid all protests
Event
Further anti-government protests are scheduled to take place in the capital Managua, on Wednesday, May 9, to demand that President Daniel Ortega resign from office. Protesters are expected to depart from the Metropolitan Cathedral and walk several kilometers in the Metrocentro sector. Heightened security measures and localized transportation disruptions are to be anticipated near protest sites. Clashes with security forces cannot be ruled out.
Additional similar gatherings are to be anticipated in the coming days in the capital as well as in cities across the country. Outbursts of violence cannot be ruled out.
Context
Several anti-government protests, many of which were marred by violence, sometimes deadly, have taken place since the end of April. The protests began on April 18 and intensified over the weekend of April 20-22, leading to deadly clashes, looting, and other violence throughout the country, as well as a crackdown by the security forces. Although the number varies between sources, dozens of people reportedly have been killed and more than 400 others wounded; additionally, 200 people reportedly have been arrested and 65 more are reported missing. Further protests also took place on April 28. Together, these have comprised the most significant wave of unrest experienced by the country since the end of the civil war in 1990.
The intensity of the protests nevertheless has subsided since April 22, when Ortega announced his decision to rescind the highly controversial reforms to the country's social security system (INSS) that first sparked the protest movement. However, students and other groups have vowed to continue holding protests in Nicaragua until President Daniel Ortega and his wife/Vice President Rosario Murillo leave office.
Advice
Individuals in Nicaragua are advised to keep abreast of the situation, strictly avoid all protests due to the risk of violence and arrest, and adhere to any advice issued by their home governments.
