ADVERTISEMENT

Two months of deadly chaos

The protests, first sparked by since-aborted pension reforms, quickly broadened into a rejection of President Daniel Ortega, a former guerrilla leader now seen as autocratic.

Here is what happened during the two-month long popular uprising:

Fury over pension reform

On April 18 the government presents a plan to increase how much employees and companies pay into the social security fund, while cutting benefits by five percent, as recommended by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

ADVERTISEMENT

Student-led protesters in several cities vent fury at the plan. Demonstrations continue in the following days and are met with harsh repression.

They are the most significant protests in Ortega's 11 years in office.

Ortega scraps the pension reform on April 22 in a bid to end the demonstrations, in which 25 people have been killed in five days, amid clashes and looting.

'Unlawful' killings

Withdrawal of the reform fails to pacify protesters.

ADVERTISEMENT

On April 23 tens of thousands of people -- workers, students, farmers and businessmen -- demonstrate in the capital Managua demanding an end to the repression. Some call for Ortega to quit.

The United Nations on April 24 urges Nicaragua to carry out "prompt, thorough, independent and transparent investigations" into the killings during the clashes, saying a number may have been "unlawful".

Most of the dead are protesters, especially university students and youths.

Ortega loses friends

As the protests intensify, the army on May 12 distances itself from the president, saying it will not prevent people from demonstrating.

ADVERTISEMENT

On May 16 tense talks begin in Managua between Ortega and opposition groups, mediated by the influential Catholic Church, with the death toll rising to around 58.

Anti-riot forces and pro-government militias are blamed for much of the violence.

The Church calls off the talks after a week.

On May 29 the business sector drops Ortega. The employers' organization Cosep calls on its representatives to immediately resign from management posts in state bodies and enterprises.

Amnesty International says Nicaragua is using paramilitary groups to suppress demonstrations.

ADVERTISEMENT

On May 30 Nicaragua's richest man, Carlos Pellas, calls for early presidential elections.

Ortega vows to remain in power.

Managua erupts

On June 3, amid escalating violence centred on the flashpoint western city of Masaya, Pope Francis calls for dialogue.

More than 100 people are now estimated to have been killed in the protests, which are turning increasingly violent.

ADVERTISEMENT

On June 7 the United States imposes visa restrictions on Nicaraguan officials, blasting the "political violence by police and pro-government thugs" against the population, particularly university students.

The following day Ortega meets with Catholic bishops but they fail to reboot talks.

Violence erupts in Managua on June 11 with anti-riot police and pro-government paramilitaries attacking barricades manned by anti-government protesters who wield slingshots and homemade mortars.

24-hour strike

On June 13 Nicaragua's top civic alliance calls for a nationwide 24-hour strike the next day "in solidarity with the victims" of the unrest.

ADVERTISEMENT

On June 14, hours before the strike begins, the bishops announce they will restart talks between opposing government and civil representatives the following day.

The death toll from the clashes since April 18 is at 152 people, according to the Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights (CENIDH), which also says 1,340 have been wounded.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Obama, Clinton support Biden at NYC fundraiser amid protests

Obama, Clinton support Biden at NYC fundraiser amid protests

Tinubu’s refusal to celebrate 72nd birthday marks great leadership - Rahman

Tinubu’s refusal to celebrate 72nd birthday marks great leadership - Rahman

Adamawa Police reaffirms ban on motorcycles in Yola

Adamawa Police reaffirms ban on motorcycles in Yola

You make bold decisions & live with consequences - Ondo Gov hails Tinubu at 72

You make bold decisions & live with consequences - Ondo Gov hails Tinubu at 72

170 electrical vandalism cases in 2 years, 100 charged to court - EEDC

170 electrical vandalism cases in 2 years, 100 charged to court - EEDC

Tinubu appoints Bello as chairman of code of conduct bureau

Tinubu appoints Bello as chairman of code of conduct bureau

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT