AGP Executive Report

Caribbean Dispute: Colombia’s president says he will issue a Nov. 30 decree setting maritime boundaries around San Andrés, reviving a dispute with Nicaragua over the 2012 International Court of Justice ruling. Masaya Volcano: Satellite observations revealed signs of two separate magma reservoirs beneath the volcano near Managua, where nearly two million people live. Researchers say there is no sign of immediate danger, but the findings could improve monitoring. Political Pressure: Nicaraguans report being forced to attend government-backed consultations on constitutional reforms that would extend Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo’s terms from six years to seven and bar opposition participation. Final approval is scheduled for January. Families are also seeking answers about dissenters reportedly held in state custody. Diplomatic Strains: The United States recalled its top diplomat after Nicaragua rejected its ambassador nominee. The Dominican Republic has shifted consular services for citizens in Nicaragua to offices in Costa Rica and Honduras after withdrawing its mission. Property Rights: Nicaragua has returned goods to eight U.S. investors but is retaining properties valued at $45 million; separate reports say the country has begun returning homes confiscated from American retirees.

Caribbean Tensions: Colombia plans to set maritime baselines around San Andrés, reviving a boundary dispute with Nicaragua despite past rulings by the International Court of Justice. The decree is scheduled for Nov. 30. Volcano Watch: Researchers found signs of two separate magma sources beneath Masaya volcano, near about 2 million people. The findings could help improve eruption monitoring. Faith & Community: Nicaragua’s first Latter-day Saints temple was dedicated in Managua on Oct. 18, ending decades of travel abroad for members seeking temple services. Property Rights: Nicaragua has returned homes to eight of nine U.S. investors whose luxury properties were seized; one investor says assets worth about $45 million remain withheld. Political Pressure: Nicaraguan families are seeking answers about dissenters who have disappeared into state custody. Washington also recalled its top envoy after Managua rejected its ambassador nominee.

Temple Dedication: Nicaragua’s first Latter-day Saint temple was dedicated in Managua on Sunday, Oct. 18, ending decades of travel abroad for members seeking temple ordinances. Property Dispute: The government has returned properties to eight U.S. investors whose luxury homes were seized in August, but one investor says a home, hotel, farm and other assets—valued at about $50 million—remain out of reach, with no formal explanation. Political Repression: A WOLA interview with former U.S. Ambassador Kevin Sullivan examines the Ortega-Murillo government’s crackdown, including the closure of civil society groups and jailing of critics; separate reports say families are seeking answers about dissenters who have vanished into state custody. U.S. Relations: Washington recalled its top diplomat after Nicaragua rejected its ambassador nominee, adding to tensions between the two governments.

Property Dispute: Nicaragua has returned seized beach properties to eight of nine U.S. investors, but one investor says a home, hotel, farm and other assets worth about $50 million remain held, with no formal explanation. Faith: The country’s first Latter-day Saints temple is being dedicated in Managua today, ending decades of travel abroad for members seeking temple ordinances. Human Rights: A WOLA discussion with former U.S. Ambassador Kevin Sullivan examines the Ortega-Murillo government’s crackdown, including the closure of civil society groups and the disappearance of dissenters. Regional Ties: U.S.-Nicaragua tensions have deepened after Managua rejected Washington’s ambassador nominee, prompting the U.S. to recall its top diplomat. Sports: Nicaragua’s women opened their Central American volleyball campaign with a 3–1 loss to defending champions Belize in Managua.

Temple Milestone: Nicaragua’s first Latter-day Saint temple is set to be dedicated in Managua today, ending decades of journeys abroad for local members seeking temple ordinances. Property Rights: The government has begun returning keys to nine luxury homes seized from American retirees in August; the move followed public reporting on the confiscations, but it is unclear whether all the homes will be returned. Political Tensions: Washington recalled its top diplomat after Nicaragua rejected the U.S. ambassador nominee, adding to strained relations. Repression: A WOLA discussion with former U.S. ambassador Kevin Sullivan examined the Ortega-Murillo government’s crackdown, including the closure of thousands of civic groups and the jailing of critics, and the challenges facing Nicaraguans seeking safety. Maritime Alert: A Nicaragua-flagged tanker was struck near Oman during a surge in attacks on Gulf shipping; 11 crew members were rescued and two Indian sailors remained missing.

Political Repression: Nicaragua’s Ortega-Murillo government has spent eight years tightening its grip, closing thousands of civil society groups and jailing critics, a discussion with former U.S. Ambassador Kevin Sullivan noted. Families are also seeking answers about dissenters who have disappeared into state custody. Property Rights: Authorities have begun returning luxury homes seized from nine American retirees, days after the confiscations were reported. It remains unclear whether all the properties will be handed back, and officials have offered no explanation. Diplomatic Tensions: Washington recalled its top diplomat after Nicaragua rejected its nominee for ambassador, deepening an already strained relationship. Volleyball: Belize stunned defending champions Nicaragua 3-1 in Managua’s Central American tournament opener, though Nicaragua remains in contention.

Repression and Asylum: Former U.S. Ambassador Kevin Sullivan says Nicaragua’s government has tightened its grip over eight years, closing thousands of civil society groups and jailing critics. He discussed sanctions, diplomatic pressure and asylum for Nicaraguans, including political prisoners released to the United States in 2023. Confiscated Homes: The government has begun returning homes seized from nine American retirees in Tola after the confiscations were exposed. Officials have offered no explanation, and it remains unclear whether all nine properties will be returned. U.S. Relations: Washington recalled its senior diplomat after Nicaragua rejected its nominee for ambassador, adding to tensions between the two governments. Sports: Hosts Nicaragua lost 3-1 to Belize in the opening match of the Central American women’s volleyball tournament in Managua.

Diplomatic Tensions: The U.S. recalled its top diplomat after Nicaragua rejected Washington’s ambassador nominee, deepening a dispute between the two governments. Forced Disappearances: Families say they still have no information about relatives taken into custody, including retired army colonel Carlos Brenes and his wife, who disappeared in August 2025. Property Rights: Reports say Nicaragua seized nine vacation homes belonging to U.S. retirees, renewing concerns over property protections. Basketball: Managua will host Group A of the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 pre-qualifiers Nov. 27–29, with Nicaragua facing Costa Rica, Jamaica and Guyana.

Disappearances: Nicaraguan families say they still have no information about relatives taken into state custody. One family has sought answers since retired Colonel Carlos Brenes and his wife were reportedly removed from their home by police in August 2025. Diplomatic Tensions: The United States recalled its top diplomat after Nicaragua rejected its nominee for ambassador, adding to strains between the governments. Property Rights: Reports say Nicaragua seized nine homes belonging to U.S. retirees. Regional Spotlight: Google’s information panel describes Nicaragua’s government as a dictatorship and authoritarian, a label the Ortega-Murillo government cannot control. Basketball in Managua: Nicaragua will host Costa Rica, Guyana and Jamaica in the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Pre-Qualifiers on Nov. 27–29; the top two teams advance to the next qualifying stage.

Forced Disappearances: Families say they have received no word on retired Nicaraguan army colonel Carlos Brenes and his wife since neighbors saw police escort them away in August 2025. Brenes’s daughter told Reuters the family has repeatedly sought information about their whereabouts and health. U.S. Relations: Washington recalled its chargé d’affaires for consultations after Nicaragua rejected ambassador-designate Natasha Franceschi, deepening diplomatic tensions. Maritime Attack: Two sailors remain missing after a drone struck the Nicaragua-flagged tanker MT Petro Dolphin off Oman; nine other Indian crew members and one Bangladeshi sailor were rescued. Basketball: Managua will host Nicaragua, Guyana, Jamaica and Costa Rica in FIBA AmeriCup 2029 pre-qualifiers on Nov. 27–29, with the top two teams advancing.

Disappearances: Families of retired army colonel Carlos Brenes and his wife say they have had no word of the couple since police reportedly took them from their home in August 2025. Reuters reports their case is among a growing number of alleged forced disappearances in Nicaragua. Diplomatic Tensions: Washington recalled its chargé d’affaires for consultations after Nicaragua rejected U.S. ambassador nominee Natasha Franceschi, escalating an already strained relationship. Maritime Incident: Two crew members remain missing after a drone struck the Nicaragua-flagged tanker MT Petro Dolphin off Oman; nine others were rescued. Basketball: Managua will host Group A of the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Pre-Qualifiers in November, with Guyana joining Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Jamaica after Antigua and Barbuda withdrew.

Diplomatic Tensions: The U.S. recalled its chargé d’affaires for consultations after President Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo rejected Washington’s ambassador nominee, Natasha Franceschi. Disappearances: Families are still seeking answers about people taken into state custody, including retired army colonel Carlos Brenes and his wife, missing since August 2025. Maritime Security: A drone struck the Nicaragua-flagged tanker Petro Dolphin off Oman; nine Indian crew members were rescued and two remain missing as attacks disrupt regional shipping. Property Rights: Nine homes belonging to U.S. retirees were transferred to Nicaragua’s Social Security Institute without prior notice, owners say; they estimate the properties and contents were worth about $15 million. Public Safety: Three women drowned when a rain-swollen river swept away their pickup in Chinandega; the driver escaped.

U.S.–Nicaragua Tensions: Washington recalled its acting envoy for consultations after co-presidents Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo rejected ambassador nominee Natasha Franceschi, deepening a diplomatic standoff. Property Rights: Nine homes owned by U.S. retirees in Tola were transferred to Nicaragua’s Social Security Institute without prior notice, according to the owners, who estimate their losses at $15 million. Local Tragedy: Three women died when their pickup was swept away while crossing a rain-swollen river in Chinandega; the driver escaped. Volcano Monitoring: Satellite data show different parts of Masaya Volcano’s underground magma system moving in opposing ways, findings researchers say could help improve hazard monitoring. Maritime Attack: Two Indian crew members remain missing after a drone strike hit the Nicaragua-flagged tanker Petro Dolphin off Oman; nine others were rescued.

Maritime Security: Two Indian sailors remain missing after a drone struck the Nicaragua-flagged tanker MT Petro Dolphin off Oman on Oct. 11; nine crew members were rescued as search efforts continued. Political Isolation: Nicaragua withdrew from the Central American Parliament after the OAS urged it to release political prisoners and restore civil liberties. The EU has extended sanctions on the Ortega government through 2027 over repression. Religious Freedom: A U.S. religious-freedom watchdog reports that Nicaragua has barred more than 27,000 public religious processions and acts of worship since 2019, including more than 400 Stations of the Cross processions this year. Public Services: Nicaragua has acquired 247 ambulances from Belarus, a major addition to its emergency response fleet.

Maritime Security: A drone struck the Nicaragua-flagged tanker MT Petro Dolphin off Oman on Oct. 11. Two Indian sailors remain missing; most of the crew were rescued, and search efforts continue. Property Seizures: Nicaraguan authorities seized nine luxury vacation homes owned by American retirees, according to reports. Religious Freedom: A report citing the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom says authorities had barred 27,286 religious processions and other public acts of worship since 2019, including more than 400 Stations of the Cross this year. Regional Tensions: Nicaragua withdrew from the Central American Parliament amid criticism from regional governments. The EU extended sanctions on Nicaragua through 2027 over repression under President Daniel Ortega’s government. Public Services: Nicaragua acquired 247 ambulances from Belarus.

Maritime Security: A drone strike hit the Nicaragua-flagged tanker Petro Dolphin off Oman. Nine Indian crew members were rescued and two remain missing. Property Seizures: Authorities seized nine vacation homes belonging to American retirees in Rivas and transferred them to the state social-security institute, using a method previously aimed at government critics. Health: Nicaragua has acquired 247 ambulances from Belarus; health ministry purchases of ambulances from the country have totaled $118.3 million since 2023. Travel: The UK ended visa-free entry for Nicaraguans, citing a surge in asylum claims by visitors. Politics: Nicaragua has withdrawn from the Central American Parliament amid regional criticism, while the EU extended sanctions over government repression through 2027.