Nicaragua: The Children Of The Sandinista Revolution Now Turn Against It

Nicaragua's President Daniel Ortega won't let go of power without a fight. 

The country has been mired by protests and violent clashes between citizens and the security forces for the past weeks. And while the strongman has been losing credibility and support from key sectors of Nicaraguan society, his government has turned against its own people in an attempt to remain in power. 

As Amnesty International reports, Nicaragua is following a repression strategy — the mix includes excessive use of force, extrajudicial executions, control of the media, and use of pro-government armed groups — which has resulted in at least 81 people killed. 

Children Of The Revolution

The protests sparked following a decree that would take away social security benefits from the elderly, increase contributions from companies and workers, and benefit the political class alone (see piq from April 26). But as journalist Cinthia Membreño explains, the demonstrations have proved that Nicaraguan society was ripe for change. 

Tensions had been boiling under the watch of Ortega's apparent dominance. The younger generations, especially, have less tolerance for repressive and authoritarian forms of government. The crackdown, indeed, has only sparked new forms of social organization led by students and young activists.

In her piece, Membreño explains how the Nicaraguan youth have lost faith in the once-revolutionary government of Ortega and his wife and vice president, Rosario Murillo.

As the armed forces and other regime militants descend on the young, however, it would be a mistake to underestimate the risks. "If Ortega has demonstrated one skill, it’s that of survival," US State Department official Otto Reich writes in The Washington Post. 

Indeed, the young have risked their lives to protest against an unjust regime. Democrats around the world should support their cause.