Nicaragua: Clashes leave ten dead in Monimbo and Masaya July 15 /update 33

Event

Clashes between anti-government protesters and pro-government police and paramilitaries left at least ten people dead in Monimbo and Masaya on Sunday, July 15, as police and paramilitaries launched raids in the area. The clashes also come after local bishops negotiated the release of dozens of student protesters from the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua (UNAN) who were trapped by pro-government forces in the Church of Divine Mercy in Managua; pro-government forces' gunfire killed at least one person inside the church before the others were released on Saturday, July 14. Additional violent protests and clashes between pro-government forces and anti-government demonstrators are expected in Nicaragua in the coming weeks.

Context

The current unrest, which began with small student protests in Managua in mid-April before rapidly expanding, has been ongoing now for nearly three months. Regular protests have repeatedly led to deadly clashes, looting, and other violence throughout the country. Despite government efforts, roadblocks erected by protesters in cities and on highways across the country have hindered road travel and goods deliveries. Early store closures have become common amid the violence and shortages, with the streets of Managua reportedly emptying around 18:00 (local time) due to fears of violence carried out by pro-government armed groups (grupos de choque).

More than 300 people have reportedly been killed in the ongoing unrest. According to human rights group ANPDH (Asociación Nicaragüense Pro Derechos Humanos), over 150 others have been reported missing (many likely being unlawfully detained by police) and more than 1500 others have been injured. According to ANPDH figures from late June, fatalities have been registered in the capital Managua (145), Masaya (35), León (20), Chinandega (8), Carazo (5), Rivas (1), Caribe Norte (20), Caribe Sur (1), Boaco (4), Jinotega (8), Río San Juan (3), Estelí (13), Granada (2), Madriz (2), Matagalpa (15), and Chontales (3). Activists have accused the government and pro-government militias of committing serious human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, using weapons of war against protesters, arbitrary detentions, torture, excessive use of force, raiding homes without a warrant, and attacking the press.

The World Medical Association (WMA) has also warned that the country's health system has collapsed amid the crisis, with hospitals reportedly turning away injured protesters and doctors pressured by the government to refuse care. The ongoing violence has also prevented health workers from carrying out mosquito eradication efforts, increasing the risk of large-scale outbreaks of diseases such as dengue fever and malaria.

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.