In a continued assault on civil society and religious freedom, Nicaragua’s government dissolved multiple organisations, exacerbating tensions between President Ortega’s regime and faith-based organisations.
Nicaragua’s government dissolved 15 non-profit organisations intensifying its crackdown on religious groups and humanitarian efforts. The move was part of an ongoing effort by President Daniel Ortega’s regime to silence dissent and control civil society following the closure of thousands of non-government organisations (NGOs) in recent years.
The closure of organisations, including humanitarian groups such as Save the Children, is the latest move in President Ortega’s escalating war against religious and aid groups in the Central American country. Since 2018, the government has shut down more than 5,400 NGOs, a direct challenge to the rights of Nicaraguans and international organisations operating in the country.
Regime Against NGOs and Religious Groups
Save the Children faced a blow to its operations after the Ortega regime forcibly shut it down. This latest action follows a broader crackdown on religious organisations.
According to government statements, the Ebenezer Christian Missionary Foundation, the Fundamental Baptist Church Association of Matagalpa, the Help for Nicaragua Foundation, the Nicaraguan House of Spirituality, and the Dominican Nuns Foundation were among groups associated with religious missions targeted for “failing to comply with their obligations”.
A War on Religious Freedom
The Nicaraguan government’s efforts to close religious organisations have drawn sharp international criticism. According to International Christian Concern, a non-profit advocacy group, Nicaragua’s actions have placed the country among the 20 most dangerous nations for Christians globally. In 2024 alone, the regime dissolved around 1,700 organisations, including 678 Christian entities.
Choking Civil Liberties
The assault on NGOs and religious organisations is part of a broader, systematic campaign to stifle dissent in Nicaragua. Independent media outlets have faced similar persecution. The Foundation for Freedom of Expression and Democracy (FLED) reported that at least 46 journalists escaped Nicaragua in 2024, with others detained or expelled.
The closure of NGOs and media outlets has been widely condemned by human rights organisations, which argued that Ortega’s regime is creating a climate of fear and oppression.
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom reported that Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, have branded clergy as “agents of evil” and accused them of “spiritual terrorism” for their outspoken criticism of the regime.
Pray for Nicaragua
- Pray for God’s protection over church leaders courageously speaking out against injustice.
- Pray that members of the government come to know Jesus.
- Pray that believers monitored by the government won’t be deterred from sharing the gospel.
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