Nicaragua authorizes the entry of the military from the US, Russia and 8 other countries

The National Assembly (Parliament) of Nicaragua authorized this Wednesday the entry of the military from Cuba, El Salvador, the United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Russia, Taiwan and Venezuela “for the exchange and humanitarian assistance for mutual benefit in case of emergency situations “.

The entry was authorized urgently thanks to 73 votes of the ruling majority in Parliament and its allies, out of a total of 90, at a request from the reelected president Daniel Ortega.

Legislators also authorized the entry of foreign ships, aircraft and military personnel from those 10 countries, according to the Executive’s decree, which was sent to Parliament on Tuesday and expeditedly approved a day later.
All the armed forces will enter Nicaragua in the first semester of 2022, as part of an annual exercise “of training and exchange of experiences,” according to the Legislative Branch.

In his explanatory statement, Ortega explained that the Nicaraguan Army “currently maintains magnificent relations of friendship and international cooperation with other Armed Forces and Armies” of other countries, “which has resulted in the strengthening of measures to promote the trust, peace, development and cooperation “.

Although the entry of foreign troops into Nicaraguan territory is approved every six months by Parliament, regardless of the political context, this has caused controversy since the popular revolt of April 2018, which began with controversial social security reforms and became a requirement. of resignation of the president due to the mortal balance in the demonstrations.

Nicaragua is currently experiencing convulsive weeks after the arrests and accusations of more than 40 opposition leaders and independent professionals, critics or political opponents of Ortega, including seven who aspired to compete for the Presidency in the elections of November 7, who have not achieved the recognition of the bulk of the international community.

The 51st General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) considered that those elections, in which Ortega was imposed for a fifth term of five years and a fourth consecutive term, “were not free, fair or transparent and do not have democratic legitimacy.” .
In response, Nicaragua denounced the OAS Charter and announced its exit from the organization, a process that will take two years to become effective.