AGP Executive Report

Church-State Tensions: Nicaragua’s bishops head to Rome this week amid continued pressure on the Catholic Church by Daniel Ortega’s government. Flooding Tragedy: Three women, including a Nicaraguan hotel worker and visitors from Switzerland and France, died after their vehicle was swept away while crossing a swollen river in Chinandega. Regional Alert: Panama’s tsunami threat has been lifted; Nicaragua was among the countries initially warned after the powerful quake. Diplomacy: Managua reaffirmed support for a UN-supervised referendum on self-determination in Western Sahara. Politics and Travel: Nicaragua’s withdrawal from the Central American Parliament has drawn regional criticism, while Transnica has resumed daily bus service between Managua and San José during a dispute over its permit. EU sanctions on Nicaragua have also been extended through 2027.

Flooding: Three women, including a 19-year-old Swiss traveler and a Nicaraguan hotel worker, died when their pickup was swept away while crossing a swollen river in Chinandega after heavy rain. Travel: Transnica has resumed daily bus service between Managua and San José, with departures from Managua at 9 a.m., while a court ruling temporarily allows the company to operate during a permit dispute. Politics: Nicaragua’s withdrawal from the Central American Parliament comes amid mounting regional criticism; separately, the EU has extended sanctions against the Ortega government through 2027 over repression. Regional Alert: Nicaragua was among the countries warned of possible tsunami waves after a powerful earthquake struck Panama, but the alerts were later lifted. Tourism: Granada was named among Lonely Planet’s top destinations to visit in 2027.

Regional Earthquake: Panama’s 7.7-magnitude quake damaged buildings and prompted evacuations. Nicaragua was among nine countries included in initial tsunami alerts, which were later lifted; the Panama Canal continued operating normally. Regional Politics: Nicaragua says it is withdrawing from the Central American Parliament amid criticism from neighboring governments. The EU has extended sanctions on the Ortega-Murillo government through 2027 as international pressure over repression continues. Environmental Crime: An Interpol operation across nine countries, including Nicaragua, led to 233 arrests and uncovered large-scale illegal wildlife and timber trafficking.

Regional Ties: Nicaragua has withdrawn from the Central American Parliament amid mounting criticism from neighboring governments, further isolating President Daniel Ortega’s government. Earthquake Alert: Friday’s powerful quake in Panama initially triggered tsunami warnings for Nicaragua and other Pacific nations; the alerts were later lifted, with no tsunami threat in effect. International Pressure: The European Union extended its sanctions on Nicaragua through 2027, citing repression, while regional and international voices continue to press for civil liberties and democratic guarantees. Repression: A Nicaraguan torture survivor deported from the United States has been jailed again, highlighting the risks facing people returned to the country.

EU Sanctions: The European Union extended its sanctions on Nicaragua until October 2027, citing systematic repression and worsening human rights. The measures target 21 people and three entities; the bloc is again calling for political prisoners’ release and electoral reforms. Masaya Volcano: A new study found two magma reservoirs shifting beneath the “Mouth of Hell,” about 20 kilometres from Managua. Researchers say there is no immediate warning of an eruption, but better monitoring is vital for a city of two million. Political Crisis: A constitutional amendment has entrenched the opposition’s exclusion from power and extended officials’ terms from six to seven years, further narrowing the prospect of a democratic change in government. Environmental Crime: An Interpol operation involving Nicaragua and eight other countries led to 233 arrests and exposed large-scale trafficking networks. In Nicaragua, authorities seized protected parrots and macaws and about 165 kilograms of shark fins. Deportation Concerns: A Nicaraguan torture survivor was reportedly imprisoned again after deportation from the United States, while exiled journalists also face uncertainty over possible removal to a country where they risk persecution.

Regional Cooperation: Nicaragua and Saudi Arabia signed an air transport agreement to establish a framework for civil aviation links between the countries. Environmental Crime: Nicaragua took part in an Interpol-led crackdown across nine countries that resulted in 233 arrests and the recovery of more than 1,000 animals; Nicaraguan authorities seized protected parrots and macaws. Political Rights: A new constitutional amendment bars opposition participation and extends officials’ terms from six to seven years, further closing off the possibility of a change in government. Repression and Exile: A Nicaraguan torture survivor was jailed again after deportation from the United States, while exiled journalists face renewed uncertainty over their immigration status. Regional governments and the OAS have also called for restored civil liberties and the release of political prisoners. Regional Ties: Nicaragua announced it would withdraw from the Central American Parliament, and the Dominican Republic closed its embassy in Managua, citing a lack of freedoms.

Power and Politics: Nicaragua’s constitutional amendment formally bars opposition participation and extends the terms of the co-presidents and other officials from six to seven years, further closing off a legal path to a change in government. Regional Ties: Saudi Arabia and Nicaragua signed an air transport agreement to set rules for air services and deepen civil aviation cooperation. Environmental Crime: Nicaragua joined an Interpol-led operation across nine countries that made 233 arrests, recovered more than 1,000 animals and identified 60,000 hectares of illegally cleared forest. Exiles at Risk: Nicaraguan journalists in the U.S. face deportation uncertainty amid a tougher immigration crackdown; a separate report says a torture survivor was jailed again after U.S. deportation. Public Safety: New research points to shifting magma beneath Masaya volcano, near Managua, where about two million people live.

Environmental Crime: Nicaragua joined eight countries in an Interpol operation that recorded 233 arrests, recovered more than 1,000 animals and identified 60,000 hectares of illegally cleared forest across the region; the figures are regional, not Nicaragua-specific. Volcano Watch: New research points to shifting magma reservoirs beneath Masaya volcano, near Managua, where roughly two million people live. Political Tensions: Nicaragua says it will withdraw from the Central American Parliament as regional and international voices press for free elections and the release of political prisoners. The Dominican Republic has closed its embassy in Managua, citing a lack of freedoms, while the Ortega-Murillo government rejected a U.S. ambassador nominee. Deportation Fallout: A Nicaraguan torture survivor was jailed again after deportation from the United States, renewing concerns about the risks facing Nicaraguan dissidents sent back home.

Environmental Crime: A regional Interpol operation that included Nicaragua led to 233 arrests and uncovered 60,000 hectares of illegally cleared forest, along with suspected links between Amazon deforestation and companies across several continents. Deportation and Repression: A Nicaraguan torture survivor deported from the U.S. has been jailed again, renewing concerns about the risks dissidents face when sent back. Regional Politics: Nicaragua has notified the Central American Parliament of its withdrawal from the treaty establishing the body and other regional institutions. Masaya Volcano: Satellite data suggest two active magma reservoirs beneath the volcano near Managua; researchers say the deeper reservoir is refilling, a finding that could help improve monitoring.

Nicaragua-US Relations: A Nicaraguan exile, Jeffrey Jarquín, deported from the U.S. to Managua, was immediately jailed again after returning to the same prison where he was previously tortured, according to family and his lawyer. Regional Politics: Nicaragua announced it is withdrawing immediately from Parlacen, saying the Central American Parliament failed to deliver results for families. U.S. Election Crackdown: The U.S. Justice Department charged 16 lawful permanent residents, including a Nicaraguan man, in alleged noncitizen voting and related election crimes across several states. Climate & Food Security: El Niño-linked drought is stunting crops across Central America’s Northern Triangle, with farmers in El Salvador reporting “mulquite” corn that dries out before producing grain. Trade & Agriculture: International grain buyers toured Illinois’ transport network to strengthen export ties, including a delegation that included Nicaragua. Humanitarian Aid: Orphan Grain Train shipped a large container of supplies to help multi-state storm recovery, with past shipments including Nicaragua.

Human Rights in Focus: A Nicaraguan torture survivor, Jeffrey Jarquín, was deported from the U.S. back to Managua and immediately jailed again at the same notorious prison where he says he was tortured after 2018 protests. Regional Politics: Nicaragua announced its immediate withdrawal from the Central American Parliament (Parlacen), saying the body failed to deliver results for Central American families. U.S. Election Crackdown Touches Nicaragua: The U.S. Justice Department charged a Nicaraguan national, Dudley Francisco Zeledon, alleging illegal voting in the 2024 elections. Local Economy: Chontales’ dairy sector is highlighted for thriving production and processing, with images from Santo Tomás showing morolique cheese and factory work. Sports (Nicaragua in the Mix): In Concacaf Nations League action, Nicaragua lost to the Dominican Republic, while Haiti and Curaçao advanced to the quarterfinals.

Central America Diplomacy: Nicaragua says it will withdraw immediately from the Central American Parliament (Parlacen), calling the regional body ineffective and pointing to sovereignty concerns after OAS pressure to restore civil rights and release political prisoners. Human Rights & U.S. Deportations: A Nicaraguan torture victim, Jeffrey Jarquín, was deported from the U.S. and jailed again on arrival in Managua, according to family and his lawyer, after years of persecution tied to 2018 protests. U.S. Election Crimes Linked to Nicaragua: The U.S. Justice Department charged 16 noncitizens nationwide with alleged election crimes, including Dudley Francisco Zeledon of Nicaragua, accused of illegal voting in 2024. Regional Sports: Nicaragua’s results in CONCACAF Nations League Group A were shaped by the Dominican Republic’s win over Nicaragua, while Haiti and Curaçao advanced to the quarterfinals. Nicaragua in Global Spotlight: An analyst highlights Managua’s cooperation with partners including China, Russia, and Belarus, citing infrastructure, security, and biotech projects.

Nicaragua–Regional Politics: Nicaragua announced it will withdraw immediately from the Central American Parliament (PARLACEN), calling it an “exercise of sovereignty” as President Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo tighten control. The move follows an OAS resolution urging Nicaragua to restore civil liberties and release political prisoners, and comes after Nicaragua already left the OAS (2023) and the UN Human Rights Council (2025). Human Rights & Diplomacy: The government says regional bodies are vehicles for outside intervention, while critics point to a crackdown since 2018 that includes arrests, torture allegations, and deaths in custody. U.S.–Nicaragua Deportation Fallout: A former Nicaraguan political prisoner, Jeffrey Jarquín, was reportedly arrested and jailed right after being deported from the U.S., returning to Modelo prison. Immigration Data Watch: New reporting says 147,000 migrants processed at the U.S. border indicated Georgia as their destination, highlighting shifting migration patterns.

Central American Politics: Nicaragua says it will withdraw immediately from the Central American Parliament (PARLACEN), calling it an act of “full sovereignty” after an OAS resolution urged Managua to restore civil liberties and release political prisoners. Human Rights Pressure: The move follows Nicaragua’s earlier exits from the OAS (2023) and the UN Human Rights Council (2025), amid accusations of a crackdown on critics and political opponents. Regional Diplomacy: Costa Rica condemned what it called an “authoritarian drift” in Nicaragua and backed OAS efforts to restore conditions for free, pluralistic elections with international observation. Sports—Managua Connection: Costa Rica’s new interim coach Bryan Ruiz debuted with a 3-0 win over Nicaragua in Managua, boosting ticket demand ahead of Costa Rica’s final group match vs. Haiti.

OAS Pressure on Nicaragua: Costa Rica urged “action, not just concern” at an OAS foreign ministers meeting in Washington, calling Nicaragua’s Ortega-Murillo government an “authoritarian drift” and backing a resolution to restore civil liberties, enable free elections with international observation, and release political prisoners. Diplomatic Fallout: The Dominican Republic announced it will withdraw its embassy from Nicaragua, citing the “absence of freedoms” and power concentration under Ortega and Rosario Murillo. Human Rights & Elections: The OAS approved a resolution demanding Nicaragua guarantee human rights, hold free and fair elections, restore separation of powers, disclose the whereabouts of forcibly disappeared people, and return nationality to those stripped of it, with an OAS task force to engage authorities and exiles. Local Culture Spotlight: A Nicaraguan singer, Carlos Cordonero, performed for Pope Leo XIV with mariachi musicians at a Vatican Mass, highlighting how music connects communities. Sports (Nicaragua in the mix): Nicaraguan boxer Jordan Orozco Hernandez won again in Florida, keeping his undefeated streak alive.

OAS Pressure on Nicaragua: The Organization of American States approved a resolution urging Nicaragua to guarantee human rights, restore civil liberties, hold free and fair elections, and unconditionally release political prisoners, with a new task force to engage authorities and exiles and recommend next steps. Diplomatic Fallout: The Dominican Republic announced it will withdraw its embassy from Nicaragua, citing the lack of freedoms and growing concentration of power under Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo. Elections Under Strain: A separate U.S. statement at the OAS meeting condemned Nicaragua’s “dictatorship” and said Ortega’s government rejected the U.S. ambassador nominee, as Washington warned the situation threatens peace and security in the hemisphere. Local Spotlight: In Managua, Nicaragua’s “lived democracy” theme is being tested as electoral reforms face mounting external pressure, according to a report describing neighborhood meetings and community concerns. Sports: Nicaragua’s men’s team faces a must-win scenario in CONCACAF Nations League action after a tough run of results.