Nicaragua: Fresh violence breaks out in Managua June 16 /update 25

Event

Renewed violence broke out in the capital of Managua on the morning (local time) of Saturday, June 16. According to media reports, automatic gunfire was reported at roadblocks erected near a university in the city. Police officials confirmed that two people were killed during the clash. A building in the area also caught fire; at least six people died in the blaze. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.

The fighting comes a day after peace talks began between President Daniel Ortega’s government and opposition civil society groups. Both sides agreed to a ceasefire during the talks brokered by the Catholic Church.

Context

The unrest, which began with a small student protest in Managua on April 18 before rapidly expanding, has been ongoing now for nearly two months. Regular protests have repeatedly led to deadly clashes, looting, and other violence throughout the country, leaving at least 148 people dead. Hundreds of others have been injured, arrested, and/or reported missing. Activists have accused the government of committing serious human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, torture, excessive use of force, and attacking the press. Means of communication have been censored and blocked on numerous occasions.

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. A number of countries, including the US, the UK, and France, continue to advise their nationals to postpone nonessential travel to the country until further notice.