This month's post comes to us from Nola Nackerud, one of our coordinators living in Condega, Nicaragua.
This is a sad article to write, but it is important for you to know what is happening here in Nicaragua. There has been turmoil since April 18th when protestors in cities across Nicaragua began demonstrations mainly against the President, Daniel Ortega, and Vice President, Rosario Murillo (who is his wife). The people began protesting against the decree of social security reforms that increased taxes and decreased benefits. After five days of unrest in which nearly 30 people were killed, Ortega announced the cancellation of the reforms. However, the opposition has grown to denounce Ortega and demand his resignation, becoming one of the largest protests in his government's history and the deadliest civil conflict since the end of the Nicaraguan Revolution. As of June 5th, 113 people have been killed, many wounded and some disappearances. There are demonstrations and roadblocks all over the country. The people want democracy and are not giving up until it happens. It seems as though Ortega is becoming what he once fought against. Many call him a dictator and Managua, the capital of Nicaragua, has been torn apart as has the city of Masaya. The worst places are Managua, Masaya, and Leon, but there is violence all over the country. The students that you help through the Asla Foundation have been affected by this by the closings of some high schools and universities for periods of time. Up in the north where we are it is much calmer than in the Managua area. The students here have missed some classes in the universities in Esteli, but the universities in Managua are closed for longer periods. If you go online you can read more and see more photos and or videos of the situation. Useful websites are: Tico Times, Wikipedia, and Aljazeera, and here is a recent article:
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/05/nicaragua-protests-
Here in Condega the marches have been all calm and peaceful with people talking about peace and democracy and prayer for our country. Please say a prayer for Nicaragua, our students and all its people.
Photos of the other 4 are here in Condega with many students including Asla ones
Large, peaceful protest in the capital, Managua
