Nicaragua: Business groups plan protest in Managua January 24 /update 57

Event

The Superior Council of Private Enterprise (Cosep), American Chamber of Commerce of Nicaragua, and affiliated groups have announced a protest in Managua on Thursday, January 24. Demonstrators are expected to gather in the city center at 13:30 (local time) to denounce the government's attempts to restrict demonstrations amid a sociopolitical crisis. The police have not authorized the demonstration as of Wednesday, January 23. A heightened security presence and associated transportation disruptions are expected in the vicinity of the protest. Clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.

Context

Nicaragua has experienced widespread unrest since April 2018 amid calls for President Ortega to step down. The movement has led to frequent protests, deadly clashes, and other violence. Activists accuse the government and pro-government militias of committing serious human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, using weapons of war against protesters, kidnappings, arbitrary detentions, torture, excessive use of force, raiding homes without a warrant, and attacking the press.

Advice

Individuals in Managua are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests due to the risk of potential violence, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities and home governments.