Nicaragua: Protest march planned in Managua May 30 /update 17

Event

The Mothers of April Movement, a civil society group, is calling for a massive march in Managua on Wednesday, May 30. Participants will gather at the Jean Paul Genie roundabout at 14:00 (local time) before traveling down Masaya Road and concluding their march at the Central American University (UCA). The group called for all Nicaraguans to support the demonstration in solidarity with the mothers who have lost children in the recent violent protests. Increased security measures and localized traffic disruptions are expected during the march.

Context

May 30 is also Mother’s Day in Nicaragua. The organization is demanding justice for the protesters who have been killed by police officers and paramilitary groups during the recent demonstrations. According to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), at least 76 people have been killed and 860 wounded by security forces as of May 24. The protests and associated roadblocks and violence have been ongoing now for over a month and have affected various areas, including Managua, Masaya, Matagalpa, Estelí, Sebaco, León, Granada, Bluefields, Jinotepe, Diriamba, and Tipitapa. The protests have led to deadly clashes, looting, and other violence throughout the country, as well as a crackdown by security forces.

As of May 22, 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 risks of violence and arrest, and adhere to any advice issued by their home governments.