Nicaragua: Opposition demonstration planned in Managua April 6 /update 2

Event

The National Blue and White Unity (UNAB) opposition coalition has notified police that it will hold a demonstration in Managua on Saturday, April 6. The demonstration is slated to take place at 14:00 (local time), with protesters moving from the Central America roundabout to the Alexis Argüello Monument.

Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are to be expected around all protest sites. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

The demonstration on April 6 is part of a series of protests that UNAB has organized to call for the release of political prisoners and the resignation of President Daniel Ortega.

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 any public gatherings due to the risk of violence and arrest, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.