Nicaragua Shuts Down Scouting Organization, Several NGOs

Nicaragua's government has closed down the Scouts Association of Nicaragua and seven other non-governmental organizations (NGOs), as reported by state media La Gaceta on Friday, per AP.

The Interior Minister, responsible for overseeing Nicaragua NGOs, cited the Nicaragua scouting organization's failure to submit financial statements and accused them of having an expired board of directors not renewed since September 2021.

The assets of these eight organizations, including four religious entities, are set to be confiscated by the government.

This move is part of a broader trend, with over 3,500 NGOs, many of them shuttered within the past two years, facing closure since the mass social protests of 2018.

Mounting Restrictions Prompt Mass Migration

The restrictive measures imposed by the government have led to the departure of hundreds of thousands of Nicaraguans, seeking refuge primarily in the United States and neighboring Costa Rica, according to ABC News.

In response to the closures, the US State Department announced fresh sanctions on over 100 municipal officials in Nicaragua associated with the ruling Sandinista National Liberation Front.

While the specific individuals were not disclosed, State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller, in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), highlighted that their entry visas to the United States are restricted due to their involvement in the Ortega-Murillo regime.

The regime has been accused of suppressing Nicaraguan voices and detaining individuals advocating for a free civil society.

The Nicaragua scouting organization, which has been operating since 1979, has not issued any comments regarding the closure.

Known for their commitment to "Building a better world," the Scouts focused on promoting scouting, a youth movement emphasizing comprehensive education and nature engagement.

Other affected organizations include Catholic, Evangelical, and Jesuit groups, a health and science university group, and a rotary club.

The Interior Ministry alleges that these groups failed to submit financial statements and lacked transparency in fund utilization.

The narrative surrounding Nicaragua's civic space reveals a significant contraction as the government's actions, ostensibly aimed at maintaining order and national security, have targeted a diverse range of Nicaragua NGOs.

These organizations, from Nicaragua scouting organizations to human rights defenders, played a crucial role in providing essential services, fostering community engagement, and advocating for various causes.

The closure of these NGOs not only undermines democratic principles but also weakens the social safety nets that many Nicaraguans relied on.

The resultant surge in Nicaraguans leaving their homeland stems from political persecution, economic challenges, and the absence of essential services previously provided by now-outlawed Nicaragua NGOs.

International Response and Diplomatic Challenges

Internationally, there has been a mixed response to Nicaragua's internal developments, including condemnation, sanctions, and calls for dialogue, BNN reports.

Human rights organizations and foreign governments express concern over the erosion of civil liberties and the humanitarian implications of the government's actions.

Despite these measures, the Nicaraguan government continues its clampdown, posing a significant test for international diplomacy and raising questions about the global community's capacity to safeguard human rights and democratic governance.

As Nicaragua's civic space shrinks, its people face the consequences of political turbulence.

The closure of over 3,500 Nicaragua NGOs, including the Scouts Association, marks a crucial point in Nicaragua's ongoing crisis, depriving citizens of vital services and platforms for civic participation.

The international community closely watches, hopeful for a resolution that restores peace and democracy to Nicaragua.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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