Covert Operations in Nicaragua: The Unseen Hand of State and Corporate Power

NICARAGUA – The streets of Nicaragua have become a battleground, not just for the citizens protesting against their government, but also for the unseen forces of foreign powers and corporate interests. The narrative dominating Western media paints Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega as a despot, ruthlessly suppressing dissent. However, a closer examination reveals a more complex story, one where state and corporate covert operations play a significant role in fueling the unrest.

The Consolidation of Power

Daniel Ortega, a veteran of the Sandinista revolution, has recently taken significant steps to consolidate power. With the implementation of constitutional reforms, his wife, Rosario Murillo, has been elevated to the position of co-president, giving her near-equal authority. This move has ensured the continuation of Ortega’s rule and solidified the family’s grip over Nicaraguan politics. Critics argue that this consolidation mirrors authoritarian strategies seen in history, while supporters view it as a necessary safeguard against foreign-backed destabilization.

April 19 University Movement (MU19A)

Background and Role

• Origins: MU19A emerged in April 2018 during the initial wave of protests against Ortega's government. The movement is named after the first major student-led protest, sparked by social security reforms and the handling of the Indio Maíz forest fires.
• Composition: Composed mainly of university students, intellectuals, and young activists, MU19A has become one of the most visible opposition groups in Nicaragua.
• Goals: The movement demands democratic reforms, free elections, the release of political prisoners, and justice for victims of government repression.
• Tactics: MU19A has organized mass demonstrations and social media campaigns but has also been accused of participating in violent clashes with government forces.

Key Figures

• Lesther Alemán: A prominent student leader who gained attention for confronting President Ortega during the 2018 national dialogue.
• Victoria Obando: A key organizer of protests and advocate for human rights.

The Hidden Hand of Foreign Influence

While the protests are portrayed as a grassroots movement, substantial evidence suggests foreign involvement, particularly from the United States. The U.S. has a long history of opposing Ortega, dating back to the 1980s when the Sandinista movement overthrew the U.S.-backed Somoza regime. Today, Washington employs more covert methods to undermine Ortega's government.

One of the key organizations behind the unrest is the National Democratic Institute (NDI), chaired by former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. NDI has a record of funding opposition groups under the guise of promoting democracy. Similarly, the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), often described as the "legal arm of the CIA," has funneled millions into Nicaraguan opposition groups. USAID has also played a role, training young leaders and providing financial backing for anti-government initiatives.

Elliott Abrams, U.S. Special Representative for Venezuela, is another key figure with a controversial history in Latin America. His presence in shaping policy toward Nicaragua signals a continuation of covert U.S. interventions in the region.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Its Role

HRW has been a vocal critic of the Ortega government, documenting human rights abuses and advocating for international sanctions. While its reports have been widely cited, critics argue that HRW selectively highlights government repression while downplaying opposition violence.

Key Figures

• José Miguel Vivanco: Former director of HRW's Americas division, a strong critic of Ortega's government.
• Tamara Taraciuk Broner: Acting director of HRW's Americas division, continuing HRW's advocacy against Nicaraguan state repression.

Bishop Rolando Álvarez and Religious Opposition

Bishop Rolando Álvarez has been a vocal critic of the Ortega government and played a key role in mediating dialogue during the 2018 protests. His subsequent arrest and sentencing to 26 years in prison on charges of "conspiracy to undermine national integrity" sparked widespread international condemnation.

The Venezuela Model and Historical Parallels

The tactics deployed in Nicaragua closely resemble those used in other U.S.-backed regime change efforts:

• Iran (1953): The CIA orchestrated a coup to overthrow Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh.
• Chile (1973): The U.S. supported a military coup that ousted President Salvador Allende.
• Ukraine (2004, 2014): The U.S. backed opposition groups during the Orange Revolution and Euromaidan protests.
• Egypt (2011): The U.S. supported opposition movements during the Arab Spring.

The Organization of American States (OAS), heavily influenced by Washington, has consistently criticized the Ortega government and supported opposition groups. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has also played a role in pressuring Nicaragua internationally.

Current Context and Potential Outcomes

The Ortega government faces increasing pressure from the international community. The United Nations and various human rights organizations have condemned Nicaragua for alleged human rights violations. Sanctions from the U.S. and European nations continue to tighten economic conditions.

Despite these challenges, Ortega and Murillo maintain firm control over state institutions, including the police and military. This internal control, combined with strategic alliances with nations like Russia and China, may enable them to withstand foreign pressures in the short term. However, continued external support for opposition groups may keep Nicaragua in a state of ongoing political turmoil.

Conclusion: The Unseen War

The current unrest in Nicaragua is not merely a domestic issue; it is part of a larger geopolitical struggle for control over Latin America. The U.S., through its funding of opposition groups and manipulation of media narratives, seeks to topple another leftist government in the region.

As the violence in Nicaragua continues, it is crucial to look beyond the surface and question the role of foreign powers in fueling the unrest. The narrative of a repressive government cracking down on peaceful protesters is a convenient one, but it obscures deeper forces at play. In the shadows, state and corporate interests are working to shape Nicaragua’s future, and the consequences will be felt far beyond its borders.