Nicaragua: Deadly unrest continues amid sociopolitical crisis /update 23

Event

Highly disruptive protests, often marred with deadly violence, continue to be held on a regular basis amid the sociopolitical crisis ongoing in Nicaragua since mid-April. Hundreds of roadblocks remain in place in cities and on highways across the country, which have paralyzed road travel and goods deliveries in recent weeks. Over the weekend June 8-10, clashes broke out in the capital Managua and in Jinotega, Masaya, and Sébaco, resulting in five deaths. The mobilization is showing no signs of slowing; additional protests, clashes between anti-government demonstrators and pro-government gangs and security forces, and traffic disruptions (e.g. due to roadblocks and protests) are expected across the country in the coming days and weeks.

There are reports of armed gangs (grupos de choque) loyal to President Daniel Ortega who roam the streets of Managua each night beginning around 18:00 (local time). The threat of pro-Ortega gang violence has prompted some local residents to return home, as well as the closure of stores by this hour.

Context

The unrest, which began with a small student protest in Managua on April 18 before rapidly expanding, has been ongoing now for nearly two months. Regular protests have repeatedly led to deadly clashes, looting, and other violence throughout the country, leaving more than 130 people dead. Hundreds of others have been injured, arrested, and/or reported missing. Activists have accused the government of committing serious human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, torture, excessive use of force, and attacking the press. Means of communication have been censored and blocked on numerous occasions and further cuts are likely, particularly on days when larger protests are anticipated. Mediation efforts overseen by the Catholic Church have broken down.

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. Some countries, including the US, the UK, and France, continue to advise their nationals to postpone nonessential travel to the country until further notice.