Nicaragua: Pro-government forces kill and wound several in Managua Sep. 23 /update 47

Event

Pro-government paramilitary and police forces reportedly killed at least one person and wounded several others during an opposition protest march in Managua on Sunday, September 23. The demonstration, which was calling for the release of political prisoners and proceeded through the Américas 3 neighborhood on Sunday morning (local time), was met with teargas and live ammunition fired by pro-government forces to disperse the march as it approached the Mercado Iván Montenegro area, according to local sources. Additional clashes between pro-government forces and opposition protesters are possible in Managua over the coming days and weeks.

Context

The current unrest began with small student protests in Managua in mid-April before rapidly expanding. Regular protests have repeatedly led to deadly clashes, looting, and other violence throughout the country. Casualty figures vary by source, with more than 320 people believed to have been killed during protests. Many others have been reported missing (many likely being unlawfully detained by police), some 200 have been injured, and tens of thousands have fled the country.

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; hundreds of doctors who treated protest victims have reportedly been fired or arrested. 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, particularly those in Managua, 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.