Nicaragua: Mediation begins May 16 amid sociopolitical crisis /update 13

Event

Continued anti-government protests are to be anticipated in various areas of Nicaragua in the coming days despite Catholic Church-sponsored talks set to begin on Wednesday, May 16. The talks, mediated by the Nicaraguan Episcopal Conference (CEN), are expected to begin at 10:00 (local time) at the National Seminary of Our Lady of Fatima in the capital Managua.

The protests and associated roadblocks and violence have been ongoing now for 29 days (as of May 16) touching various areas, including Managua, Masaya, Matagalpa, Estelí, Sebaco, León, Granada, Bluefields, Jinotepe, and Tipitapa. The demonstrations have resulted in widespread transportation disruptions, including between the capital and the city of Granada, as well as throughout the center of the country (e.g. in and around Juigalpa, El Rama, El Tortuguero, and Nueva Guinea).

Context

The protests - ongoing since April 18 - have repeatedly led to deadly clashes, looting, and other violence throughout the country, as well as a crackdown by the security forces. Some human rights groups claim that more than 60 people have been killed, with some 500 more suffering injuries and numerous others arrested.

On May 13, the US Embassy in Managua advised all government employees and US citizens in the country to avoid all unnecessary travel and remain at home. Some countries, including France, are advising their nationals to postpone all nonessential travel to the country until further notice.

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.