Nicaragua Shuts Down 15 More NGOs, Bringing Total Closures to Over 3,600 Since 2018

The Nicaraguan government has canceled the legal status of 15 additional non-profit organizations (NGOs), raising the total number of NGO closures to more than 3,600 since 2018. Nine of the organizations were shut down for failing to report their finances, with their assets set to be transferred to the state. The remaining six were closed due to voluntary dissolution by their members, citing a lack of funds.

Among the NGOs affected by the latest round of closures are the Association of Owners of Small Hotels of Nicaragua, the Association of Livestock Farmers of El Rama, and seven evangelical organizations. The shutdowns are part of a broader crackdown on civil society under a tightened legal framework for NGOs in Nicaragua. The government has used this framework to target organizations it accuses of financing protests against President Daniel Ortega's administration in 2018.

Why this matters: The ongoing closure of NGOs in Nicaragua highlights the increasingly restrictive environment for civil society under President Ortega's government. The shutdowns have far-reaching implications for various sectors, including tourism, agriculture, and religious organizations, as they lose vital support and resources provided by these non-profits.

The wave of NGO closures began in 2018 following widespread protests against the Ortega government. The demonstrations were met with a harsh response from authorities, leading to a crisis that has strained relations between the government and civil society organizations. The tightening of regulations on NGOs has been criticized by human rights groups as a means to stifle dissent and limit the activities of organizations perceived as critical of the government.

The transfer of assets from the shuttered NGOs to the state has also raised concerns about the transparency and accountability of the process. Critics argue that the government's actions are aimed at consolidating power and resources, while undermining the ability of civil society to operate independently and hold the government accountable.

As the number of NGO closures continues to rise, the impact on various sectors of Nicaraguan society becomes more pronounced. The Association of Owners of Small Hotels of Nicaragua, for example, played a critical role in supporting small-scale tourism businesses, while the Association of Livestock Farmers of El Rama represented the interests of agricultural producers in the region. The closure of these organizations leaves their members without vital support networks and resources.

The shutdown of seven evangelical organizations also highlights the government's tense relationship with religious groups. In recent years, the Ortega administration has faced criticism from religious leaders who have spoken out against human rights abuses and the erosion of democratic norms in the country.

As the situation in Nicaragua continues to evolve, the international community has expressed concern over the deteriorating human rights situation and the shrinking space for civil society. The United Nations and other international organizations have called on the Nicaraguan government to respect the rights of its citizens and allow NGOs to operate freely without fear of reprisal.

The closure of 15 more NGOs, bringing the total to over 3,600 since 2018, underscores the ongoing challenges faced by civil society in Nicaragua. As one affected organization stated, "We have been left without the means to continue our work, which was focused on supporting the most vulnerable in our community." The long-term consequences of these closures on Nicaragua's social, economic, and political landscape remain to be seen.

Key Takeaways

• Nicaragua has canceled the legal status of 15 more NGOs, totaling over 3,600 since 2018.
• The closures have impacted organizations in tourism, agriculture, and religious sectors, leaving communities without support.
• The government cites financial reporting issues and voluntary dissolution as reasons for the shutdowns.
• The crackdown on civil society is part of a broader effort to stifle dissent against President Ortega.
• The international community has expressed concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in Nicaragua.