AGP Executive Report

EU Sanctions: The European Union extended its sanctions on Nicaragua until October 2027, citing repression and worsening human rights. The measures cover 21 people and three entities; the bloc again called for political prisoners’ release and electoral reforms. Environmental Crime: An Interpol operation across nine countries, including Nicaragua, led to 233 arrests and the recovery of more than 1,000 animals. Investigators identified 60,000 hectares of illegally cleared forest. Political Rules: A constitutional amendment has formally barred opposition participation and extended officials’ terms from six to seven years, further narrowing the path to a change in government, an analyst says. Saudi Ties: Nicaragua and Saudi Arabia signed an air-services agreement to set rules for flights and deepen civil aviation cooperation. Exile and Immigration: Nicaraguan journalists in the United States face growing uncertainty under tighter immigration enforcement; deportation could put some at risk, advocates warn.

Political Crackdown: A constitutional amendment has formally barred opposition participation and extended officials’ terms to seven years, further entrenching Ortega and Murillo’s rule. Nicaragua has also announced it will leave the Central American Parliament, as regional officials press for restored civil liberties and the release of political prisoners. Environmental Crime: An Interpol operation across nine countries led to 233 arrests and identified 60,000 hectares of illegally cleared forest; in Nicaragua, authorities seized protected parrots and macaws, as well as dried shark fins. Exiles at Risk: Nicaraguan journalists in the U.S. face growing deportation fears. Journalist Luis Galeano was detained by immigration authorities for 11 days, while a Nicaraguan torture survivor was jailed again after deportation. Saudi Ties: Saudi Arabia and Nicaragua signed an air transport agreement to establish rules for flights and deepen civil aviation cooperation.

Diplomacy: Nicaragua and Saudi Arabia signed an air transport agreement to set rules for services between the countries and expand aviation cooperation. Political Power: A constitutional amendment has formally barred opposition participation and extended officials’ terms from six to seven years, further entrenching the Ortega-Murillo government, an analysis says. Environmental Crime: Nicaragua joined an Interpol-led operation across nine countries that reported 233 arrests, more than 1,000 rescued animals and 60,000 hectares of illegally cleared forest. Exiles at Risk: Nicaraguan journalists stripped of their nationality face uncertainty in the U.S. immigration system; a separate report says a torture survivor was jailed again after deportation to Nicaragua. Volcano Watch: Researchers report shifting magma reservoirs beneath Masaya volcano, near Managua, where about two million people live.

Environmental Crime: An INTERPOL operation across nine Latin American and Caribbean countries, including Nicaragua, led to 233 arrests and recovered more than 1,000 animals. Investigators also identified 60,000 hectares of illegally cleared forest. Volcano Watch: New research points to shifting magma reservoirs beneath Masaya volcano, near a population of about two million, underscoring the risks posed by its activity. Political Crackdown: A Nicaraguan torture survivor was jailed again after deportation from the United States, while regional calls for the release of political prisoners and free elections add to pressure on the Ortega-Murillo government. Regional Tensions: Nicaragua says it will withdraw from the Central American Parliament, as Costa Rica urges stronger regional pressure to restore democratic guarantees.

Diplomacy: The U.S. Senate confirmed a new ambassador to Nicaragua among 10 appointments, but 92 of Washington’s 196 ambassador posts remain vacant. Environmental Crime: Nicaragua joined eight other countries in an Interpol operation that reported 233 arrests tied to illegal logging, mining and wildlife trafficking, and identified 60,000 hectares of illegally cleared forest. Political Rights: A Nicaraguan torture survivor was jailed again after deportation from the U.S.; other reports say Nicaraguan dissidents once welcomed by Washington also face deportation. Regional Tensions: Nicaragua has notified the Central American Parliament of its withdrawal, while Costa Rica and other regional voices are urging Managua to restore civil liberties and release political prisoners. Public Safety: Satellite data suggest Masaya volcano has two active magma reservoirs, with the deeper one refilling; about two million people live nearby. Outlook: A new peace report found Nicaragua’s internal peace ranking fell 58 places between 2009 and 2024.

El Niño Food Crisis: El Niño is intensifying drought across Central America, leaving crops stunted (“mulquite”) and threatening food security for millions in the Northern Triangle, with UNICEF warning of major hunger risks for children. Nicaragua-US Deportation Fallout: A Nicaraguan exile, Jeffrey Jarquín, was deported from the U.S. and immediately jailed again in Nicaragua after previously being tortured following 2018 protests. Regional Politics: Nicaragua announced it will withdraw from Parlacen, while El Salvador’s TSE invalidated Parlacen credentials for its 2026-2031 delegation, citing constitutional and electoral reforms. U.S. Election Crackdown: The DOJ charged 16 noncitizens, including a Nicaraguan, with alleged illegal voting and related election crimes across multiple states. Trade & Agriculture: International grain buyers toured Illinois logistics and agribusiness as part of a Latin American grain tour that includes Nicaragua, aiming to strengthen export ties. Local Economy: Nicaragua’s dairy sector in Chontales continues to expand, with processing and “morolique” cheese highlighted.

Nicaragua diplomacy: Nicaragua announced it will immediately withdraw from the Central American Parliament (Parlacen), saying the regional body has failed to deliver on its purpose of improving Central American families’ lives. Deportation and human rights: A Nicaraguan exile, Jeffrey Jarquín, was deported from the U.S. and jailed again on arrival in Managua, with family and his lawyer saying he was sent back to the same prison where he was previously tortured. U.S. election crackdown with Nicaragua link: U.S. prosecutors charged a Nicaraguan lawful permanent resident, Dudley Francisco Zeledon, in New Orleans for allegedly voting illegally in the 2024 elections. Regional politics: Nicaragua’s move comes amid broader Central America and Latin America political shifts, including Brazil’s presidential run-off after Flávio Bolsonaro won the first round. Local economy (agriculture): Chontales’ dairy sector is highlighted for its role in cheese production and processing, underscoring Nicaragua’s ongoing rural livelihoods.

Central American Politics: Nicaragua says it will withdraw immediately from the Central American Parliament (Parlacen), calling the regional body ineffective and citing sovereignty, following an OAS push for civil rights and prisoner releases. Human Rights: A Nicaraguan exile, Jeffrey Jarquín, deported from the U.S. last week, was jailed again right after arrival, with family and a lawyer saying he was sent back to the same prison where he was previously tortured. U.S. Immigration & Voting: The U.S. Justice Department announced charges against 16 noncitizens for alleged election crimes, including illegal voting and false claims of citizenship; one defendant is identified as a Nicaraguan lawful permanent resident. Regional Analysis: An analyst highlights Nicaragua’s cooperation with neighbors and partners, pointing to infrastructure and security ties involving China, Russia, and Belarus. Sports: Nicaragua lost 2-1 to the Dominican Republic in CONCACAF Nations League action in Managua.

Nicaragua–Regional Politics: Nicaragua says it will withdraw from the Central American Parliament, effective immediately, framing it as “sovereignty” after an OAS resolution urged Managua to restore civil liberties and release political prisoners. The move follows Nicaragua’s earlier exits from the OAS (2023) and the UN Human Rights Council (2025), amid ongoing accusations of repression under President Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo. Human Rights & U.S. Deportations: A former political prisoner, Jeffrey Jarquín, was arrested and jailed right after being deported from the United States to Nicaragua, according to relatives and rights advocates, who say he was tortured for leading protests in 2018. Regional Diplomacy: Costa Rica urged stronger OAS action against Nicaragua’s “authoritarian drift,” calling for conditions for free, pluralistic elections and international observation, and backed a diplomatic monitoring mechanism. Immigration Watch (U.S.): New U.S. border data shows 147,000 migrants self-reported Georgia as their destination, highlighting shifting migration patterns.

Central American diplomacy: Nicaragua says it will withdraw from the Central American Parliament, effective immediately, calling it an exercise of sovereignty after an OAS resolution urged civil rights restoration and political prisoner releases. Regional pressure: The move follows Nicaragua’s earlier exits from the OAS (2023) and the UN Human Rights Council (2025), amid ongoing accusations of crackdowns on dissent since the 2018 protests. Culture & community: In Austin, the Centroamericanto Fest returns as a two-day showcase of Central American music and filmmakers, with artists including Nicaragua. International context: Costa Rica’s foreign ministry urged stronger regional action to restore democratic guarantees in Nicaragua, as OAS diplomats push for elections and freedoms.

OAS Pressure on Nicaragua: The Organization of American States approved a resolution urging Nicaragua to restore civil liberties, guarantee free and fair elections, release political prisoners, disclose the fate of forcibly disappeared people, and return nationality to those stripped of it, with a new task force set to engage Managua and exiles. Regional Diplomacy: Costa Rica pushed for stronger regional action at the OAS, warning of an “authoritarian drift” under Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo and calling for international observation of elections. U.S.-Nicaragua Tensions: The U.S. denounced Nicaragua’s “dictatorship” after Managua vetoed Washington’s newly confirmed ambassador, Natasha Franceschi, and said the situation endangers peace and security. Embassy Fallout: The Dominican Republic announced it is closing its embassy in Nicaragua, citing the lack of freedoms and power concentration. Sports—Nicaragua on the Pitch: Nicaragua faces the Dominican Republic in CONCACAF Nations League action, with survival hopes tied to results elsewhere.

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, including calls to restore separation of powers and disclose the whereabouts of forcibly disappeared people; the OAS will set up a task force to engage Managua and exiles. Diplomatic Fallout: The U.S. denounced Nicaragua’s “dictatorship” after Managua vetoed the U.S. ambassador nominee, while the Dominican Republic announced it is closing its embassy in Nicaragua, citing lack of freedoms and power concentrated in Ortega and Rosario Murillo. Elections and Civic Space: A separate report highlights Nicaragua’s “lived democracy” through local community meetings, contrasting it with the 2018 period when armed roadblocks made gatherings impossible. Humanitarian Climate Risk: UNICEF warned El Niño-linked drought and flooding are raising risks for 25.8 million children across Latin America, with Nicaragua among the Central American countries facing harvest losses and malnutrition threats. Regional Sports: Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic meet in CONCACAF Nations League action, with Nicaragua fighting to avoid the drop zone.

OAS Pressure on Nicaragua: The Organization of American States adopted a resolution urging Nicaragua to guarantee human rights, restore civil liberties, hold free and fair elections, and unconditionally release political prisoners, including creating a task force to engage Managua and exiles. Diplomatic Fallout: The U.S. denounced Nicaragua for vetoing its newly confirmed ambassador, while the Dominican Republic announced it is closing its embassy in Managua, citing the lack of freedoms and power concentration under Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo. Human Rights at Risk Abroad: Human Rights Watch says at least eight Nicaraguan exiles—stripped of nationality by Managua—have been detained by U.S. immigration authorities, with fears they could be sent to third countries where they face persecution or torture. Regional Climate Stress: UNICEF warned El Niño-linked drought and flooding are putting 25.8 million children across Latin America at growing risk, including in Nicaragua where drought threatens harvests and malnutrition. Nicaragua in Sports: Nicaragua faces the Dominican Republic in CONCACAF Nations League action with a must-win scenario to avoid the drop zone.

OAS Human Rights Push: The Organization of American States approved a resolution urging Nicaragua to free political prisoners, restore civil liberties, guarantee free and fair elections, and disclose the whereabouts of forcibly disappeared people, with a new task force set to engage Managua and exiles. Diplomatic Fallout: The U.S. denounced Nicaragua for vetoing its newly confirmed ambassador, while the Dominican Republic announced it is closing its embassy in Managua over what it calls the lack of freedoms and power concentration under Ortega and Murillo. Regional Pressure on Elections: The OAS action follows Nicaragua’s move to bar opposition participation in future elections, as critics warn the country’s democratic crisis threatens stability across the hemisphere. Exiles Detained in the U.S.: Human Rights Watch says at least eight Nicaraguan exiles—some stripped of nationality—have been detained by U.S. immigration authorities and could face deportation to third countries. Climate Risk for Nicaragua: UNICEF warns El Niño conditions are putting 25.8 million children across Latin America and the Caribbean at growing risk, with drought in Central America including Nicaragua raising malnutrition threats. Belarus-Nicaragua Trade: Belarus says it aims to expand trade with Nicaragua beyond investment goods, including consumer and intermediate products, alongside a deal to supply ambulances.

Human Rights & Exiles: Human Rights Watch says at least eight Nicaraguan exiles—some stripped of nationality by Managua—have been arrested in the U.S., with deportation fears despite pending asylum claims. Health & Aid: Belarus’ MAZ has signed a deal to supply Nicaragua with 247 ambulances, backed by Belarus Development Bank credit lines. Climate Risk: UNICEF warns 25.8 million children across Latin America and the Caribbean face growing El Niño-linked risks, with drought hitting harvests in Central America including Nicaragua. Immigration Pressure: A separate report describes migrants, including a Nicaraguan, alleging violent pepper-ball force during U.S. deportation flights to third countries. Education in Nicaragua: Nicaragua’s “University in the Countryside” program continues expanding, bringing free higher education to rural territories via partnerships with local governments. Sports (Managua): Costa Rica’s Bryan Ruiz debuts as coach in a Nations League match against Nicaragua in Managua, with relegation pressure on the line.

Climate Risk: UNICEF says 25.8 million children across Latin America and the Caribbean live in areas facing very high El Niño-linked risks, from drought and crop stress in parts of Central America (including Nicaragua) to wildfire and flood threats elsewhere. Nicaragua Democracy & Rights: The IACHR and UN human-rights experts urge OAS foreign ministers to put human rights and accountability at the center of talks on Nicaragua, citing years of arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, torture, and transnational repression. Electoral Pressure: A new report argues Nicaragua’s electoral reforms are meant to protect popular sovereignty as Washington increases pressure over the country’s election process. Education in the Countryside: Nicaragua’s “University in the Countryside” program continues expanding, now operating across hundreds of locations and offering degrees tied to local needs like rural development and agro-industry. Media Ties: RT en Español has started free-to-air broadcasting in Nicaragua, deepening Russia’s media reach as the government tightens control over dissent. Immigration Policy (U.S.): The U.S. Supreme Court will review whether ICE can impose mandatory detention for long-term residents, a case that could reshape detention rules.