Nicaragua Shuts Down 169 NGOs, Tightens Grip on Civil Society

Nicaragua's government has banned 169 NGOs for allegedly not complying with sector regulations. This move is part of a broader crackdown by President Ortega on groups seen as hostile. Interior Minister Maria Amelia Coronel cited a failure to provide financial statements as the reason. Over 4,000 organizations have been closed to date.

Nicaragua's government has banned 169 non-governmental organizations for allegedly not complying with sector regulations, according to a resolution published on Thursday in the government gazette.

The affected organizations include Save The Children Canada, religious groups, livestock and agricultural associations, and foundations tackling diseases such as cancer and HIV/AIDS.

The move represents another blow to civil society as part of President Daniel Ortega's longstanding crackdown on groups viewed as hostile. Interior Minister Maria Amelia Coronel, who signed the resolution, accused the groups of not fulfilling obligations, including providing detailed financial statements.

(With inputs from agencies.)