The clandestine opposition movement remains active in Nicaragua, although the prospects for restoring democracy in the Central American nation are dwindling. Forced into exile in the United States, former presidential candidate and political prisoner Félix Maradiaga has expressed grave concerns about the situation. He asserts that options are increasingly limited as the Sandinista regime becomes more radicalized. Maradiaga, interviewed in Doral, Florida, emphasized that the Nicaraguan people, having already made significant sacrifices with loss of life, exiles, and political imprisonments, cannot continue to bear such a heavy burden without strong international support.
The Nicaraguan government, led by President Daniel Ortega and his wife and co-president, Rosario Murillo, has actively repressed dissent since the violent suppression of protests in 2018, which they claimed were backed by foreign powers aiming to overthrow them. In 2023, a United Nations panel of experts warned that the government has dismantled the remaining checks and balances through severe human rights violations. Sanctions alone, Maradiaga contends, are not a panacea; a comprehensive effort is needed to halt the global erosion of democracy, support the beleaguered political opposition within Nicaragua, disrupt the financial channels sustaining Ortega’s government, and maintain pressure through human rights courts.
Maradiaga, who first fled Nicaragua as a child in the 1980s during the Reagan-backed insurgency against the left-wing Sandinista government, returned only to flee again as an adult. He faced accusations from Ortega’s government for allegedly funding the 2018 protests, leading to an arrest order. In 2021, after returning, Maradiaga ran for president against Ortega. He, along with other candidates, was incarcerated and deemed a political prisoner by the U.S. Department of State under charges of harming national welfare—a charge applied to many dissidents labeled as terrorists by the Nicaraguan government. In February 2023, Maradiaga was among the 222 political, student, and religious leaders released from Nicaragua’s notorious prisons and brought to the United States. Shortly thereafter, Ortega’s government stripped them of their citizenship.
Despite the challenges, Maradiaga remains committed to fostering political organization among young Nicaraguans and establishing a comprehensive strategy involving sanctions, human rights advocacy, and uniting the exile community. He emphasizes the crucial role of exiles in being the voice for those silenced in Nicaragua, reaching international institutions, and contributing to Nicaragua’s economy, positioning the diaspora as a significant player in a potential democratic rescue.
However, these efforts carry substantial risks. Each time an exile speaks out, they endanger family members in Nicaragua, who are effectively used as hostages to silence them. Authorities aim to extinguish hope, creating a perception that democratic leadership is absent, and that exiles are benefiting financially from their status.
Maradiaga’s Catholic faith has been a source of strength, even as the Nicaraguan government targets religious institutions. He credits his faith with sustaining him through exile and challenges, providing clarity and adherence to his principles. Churches across Central America and at the U.S. border supported him during his first escape at age 12, with clergy figures like the now-exiled Auxiliary Bishop of Managua, Silvio Báez, guiding him through periods of protest and unrest. Despite the adversity, Maradiaga persists with hope, although deeply impacted by personal losses, including the recent passing of his grandmother in Matagalpa, whom he was unable to visit during her final years due to restrictions imposed before his arrest.
The Impact on Daily Life
The situation in Nicaragua has profound implications for its citizens and the broader international community. As the government continues to suppress dissent and erode democratic structures, ordinary Nicaraguans face increasing challenges to their freedom and safety. The instability has led to significant emigration, as many seek refuge and better opportunities abroad, impacting family structures and creating a diaspora reliant on international support.
For those remaining in Nicaragua, the oppressive environment stifles political expression and economic progress, with limited prospects for positive change without significant external intervention. The international community’s response, including sanctions and diplomatic pressure, plays a critical role in shaping the country’s future. However, these measures must be part of a larger strategy to support democratic movements and address the root causes of the crisis.
Globally, the situation raises concerns about the state of democracy and human rights, highlighting the need for coordinated efforts to uphold these values. The Nicaraguan case serves as a reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions and the importance of vigilance in protecting them against authoritarian tendencies.
