Nicaragua

Nicaragua: New “Friends” Lure Victims into Taxi Kidnappings

Date: July 28th, 2010 |

The U.S. Embassy in Managua reported that nearly a dozen taxi kidnappings occurred in the past month in several areas, including around the international airport, along bus routes to and from San Juan del Sur, San Jorge, Granada, Managua, Esteli and Masaya, and in the city of Managua. In all cases involving U.S. citizens, the [read more]

Nicaragua: Dengue Fever Outbreak in Managua, Elsewhere

Date: October 21st, 2009 |

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The Nicaraguan health ministry reported 1,752 confirmed cases of dengue fever since July, with the majority of cases in Managua and the department of Masaya, and some reported in other areas. Eight people have died from dengue hemorrhagic fever, a rare and more severe form of the disease. Preventing mosquito bites is the only sure [read more]

Nicaragua: Crime Up in Managua and Other Cities

Date: June 24th, 2009 |

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Express kidnappings have increased in the past year, with incidents involving Americans in several cities. In many cases the victims accepted assistance to find or share a taxi and then were held at knife point until they surrendered their cash and valuables. Some victims were assaulted this way, then driven to ATMs to withdraw cash. [read more]

Nicaragua: Election Dispute Creates Unrest

Date: November 13th, 2008 |

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Clashes occurred between supporters of the ruling Sandinista party and opposition partisans both before local elections held Nov. 9 and in subsequent days, including Nov. 10 and 11. The Sandinistas won 91 of 146 municipalities but opposition leaders contested the results, citing irregularities and demanding a recount overseen by local and international observers. Unrest could [read more]

Nicaragua: Transport Strike in Second Week

Date: May 14th, 2008 |

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A nationwide transportation strike to protest rising fuel costs began May 5 and continued into a second week with no signs of abating. Roads have been blocked and protests have turned violent. Protesters set two trucks on fire and 35 people were arrested in clashes with police on the Pan-American Highway in northern Nicaragua. Taxis [read more]

Nicaragua: Court Drops Presidential Term Limits, Tempers Flare

Date: November 5th, 2009 |

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Political maneuvering by President Daniel Ortega and six Sandinista judges on the Supreme Court to eliminate a constitutional term limit created a political crisis that opposition leaders and the U.S. ambassador said was undermining the country’s democracy. According to opposition judges on the Supreme Court, only the legislature has the authority to change the constitution, [read more]

Nicaragua: Santo Domingo Festival Could Get Rowdy

Date: August 5th, 2009 |

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The Santo Domingo festival, which runs through Aug. 10 in Managua, can become unruly, especially on the final night, when crowds of drunken revelers carry on into the wee hours. Traffic jams usually occur and gangs of pick-pockets often work the crowds. The 10-day festival celebrates the patron saint of Managua and is marked on [read more]

Nicaragua: Disputed Election Unrest Continues

Date: November 20th, 2008 |

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Unrest over the Nov. 9 local elections that the opposition claims were marred by irregularities continued to plague Nicaragua. Thousands of Sandinista party supporters flocked into the streets of Managua Nov. 18 to prevent an opposition march, blocking roads and clashing with opposition members. Young Sandinista partisans were bused in from around the country and [read more]

Nicaragua: Armed Robberies on the Tipitapa-Masaya Highway between Managua and Granada

Date: May 21st, 2008 |

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The U.S. Embassy received two reports in two weeks from U.S. citizens who were abducted and robbed while traveling at night from Managua International Airport to Granada along the Tipitapa-Masaya Highway. In both cases the groups were pulled over by men dressed as police who forced them at gunpoint to a remote location far from [read more]

Nicaragua: Crime Up in Managua

Date: December 19th, 2007 |

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The U.S. Embassy in Managua reported receiving numerous reports that robberies and assaults are increasing, and that incidents of luggage pilfering at Managua’s international airport have occurred. Embassy officials advised personnel to be more aware of their surroundings during the holiday season, when crime tends to increase, and to be especially cautious when driving because [read more]