Nicaragua: Protest march on Highway 4 in Managua July 4 /update 30

Event

Protesters plan to march on Highway 4 in Managua on Wednesday, July 4, to denounce the recent killings of anti-government demonstrators by pro-government forces and to demand a new government. The demonstrators are expected to march from Rotonda Rubén Darío to Rotonda Jean Paul Genie from 11:00 to 13:00 (local time). A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are expected near the march route. Additionally, disruptions to commerce and traffic between Managua and Masaya are expected due to the march. Related clashes between anti-government protesters and pro-government forces cannot be ruled out.

Anti-government protesters are planning on staging additional demonstrations across Nicaragua on Saturday, July 7, beginning at 10:00. Further details were not immediately released.

Context

The current unrest, which began with a small student protest in Managua on April 18 before rapidly expanding, has been ongoing now for over two 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 due to fears of violence carried out by pro-government armed groups (grupos de choque).

According to the Nicaraguan human rights group ANPDH (Asociación Nicaragüense Pro Derechos Humanos), hundreds of people have died and have been reported missing in the unrest since mid-April, and more than 1500 others have been wounded. 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.

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.