Further Nicaragua sanctions to harden Ortega’s stance

Subject

Political tensions.

Significance

A fresh round of sanctions imposed on key political figures in June looks set further to harden the government’s stance towards its critics. Having ridden out the major protests of 2018, the administration of President Daniel Ortega remains defiant in the face of increased international pressure. Ongoing efforts to secure prisoner releases and hold dialogue between the government and protest groups are increasingly viewed merely as a delaying tactic, used by the Ortega government to deflect criticism.

Impacts

• More sanctions will put pressure on financial institutions to comply, with some non-Nicaraguan banks likely to consider ending operations.
• With Ortega now set to remain in power until at least the 2021 elections, attention will shift to campaigning.
• The threat of the amnesty law may lead some former protesters to flee to Costa Rica for fear of reprisals.