Nicaragua: National Dialogue results in truce May 19-20 /update 14

Event

Anti-government demonstrations continued in Nicaragua on Friday, May 18, with dozens of protesters notably gathering outside of the National Seminary of Our Lady of Fatima in Managua, where the "National Dialogue" between government officials, students, and businesspeople, among others was held for a second day. During the talks on Friday, the government and civil society groups reportedly agreed to a nationwide "truce" to take effect on Saturday, May 19, and Sunday, May 20, during which protesters - while still vowing to stage demonstrations - have agreed to refrain from blocking traffic during demonstrations, and police and allied paramilitaries have promised to not suppress protests. Despite the announced truce, additional protests are expected, and clashes between protesters and police and traffic disruptions (i.e. roadblocks) are possible on major thoroughfares and in cities in the coming days.

Context

The protests and associated roadblocks and violence have been ongoing now for 31 days (as of May 18) 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 the security forces. Over 55 people reportedly been killed in clashes between protesters and security forces, with hundreds more suffering injuries and numerous others arrested or missing. The demonstrations have also resulted in widespread transportation disruptions, including between the capital and the city of Granada, as well as throughout the center of the country (e.g. in and around Juigalpa, El Rama, El Tortuguero, and Nueva Guinea).

On May 13, 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 risk of violence and arrest, and adhere to any advice issued by their home governments.