Nicaragua

Nicaragua swore in 2.500 masked "volunteer police" under a controversial reform expanding government control, sparking criticism as exiled opposition calls them "paramilitaries" and decries the move as bolstering Ortega and Murillo's authoritarian regime

An international arrest warrant for Nicaragua's President Daniel Ortega, Vice President Rosario Murillo, and top officials has been issued by Argentinian authorities over alleged crimes against humanity and human rights violations

General Julio César Avilés' term as Army Chief has been extended for six more years, ensuring his leadership until 2031; despite US sanctions for alleged corruption and silencing pro-democracy voices, President Daniel Ortega confirmed the choice

UN experts have urged Nicaragua to end arbitrary arrests and forced disappearances, following reports of 229 torture cases, with many victims facing violent and inhumane treatment, while the government minimizes international criticism

With the new Sandinista Constitution, Ortega's Nicaragua aims to strengthen its grip on power, distancing itself from the Catholic Church and cutting ties with the Pope, continuing the persecution of believers and ecclesiastical institutions

A proposed constitutional reform in Nicaragua will formally name Vice President Rosario Murillo as "co-president," a role she has unofficially held alongside her husband, President Daniel Ortega, solidifying her influence in governance

Bishop Carlos Herrera, president of the Episcopal Conference, was expelled to Guatemala amid escalating repression against the Catholic Church; Nicaragua's authorities have expelled over 50 clergy since 2018

No international organization mission may enter Nicaragua without prior invitation from President Daniel Ortega's government; the country gave notice to the Inter-Parliamentary Union emphasizing Nicaragua's sovereignty and self-determination

Nicaragua has severed diplomatic ties with Israel, condemning what it calls "genocide" against Palestinians; the move was taken in response to a request from the country’s National Assembly during a session of solidarity with Palestine

Over US$150 million will be allocated bu Nicaragua to build and upgrade around 500 sports facilities nationwide, with the goal of providing free training and resources for the next generation of athletes

A new commercial agreement has been signed with China for the construction of a solar plant in Masaya with the primary goal of enhancing water systems for numerous communities on top of reducing energy costs and contributing to sustainable development

Local governments have created 202 “Casas de Cultura y Creatividad”, centres that promote art, culture, and national identity, offering courses in various artistic disciplines and teaching traditions such as music, dance, and folklore