Nicaragua Reform Strips Exiled Opposition of Citizenship
Lawmakers have stripped nationality from nearly 500 critics since 2023 and are weighing election bans that would further weaken the exile opposition.
- The National Assembly in Managua, controlled by allies of President Daniel Ortega and Vice-President Rosario Murillo, is advancing reforms to further restrict the political rights of exiled opponents.
- Since 2023, authorities have stripped nationality from nearly 500 critics, including writers and clergy, following a January 2026 constitutional amendment that eliminated dual citizenship for Nicaraguans.
- Losing nationality creates significant hardships, as individuals may struggle to open bank accounts or cross borders, while Nicaraguans now forfeit citizenship upon acquiring another, with only Central Americans exempt.
- Beyond citizenship, the legislature is debating measures to bar opposition figures from participating in upcoming elections, a move opposition figures say aims to remove any channel to contest power.
- Foreign officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have condemned the measures, while the international community's response will determine the level of pressure on Managua moving forward.
22 Articles
22 Articles
Nicaragua is the country of Central America where repression against the press has reached the highest level. (ANSA)
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