Christmas Brings Pain of Separation for Nicaraguan Families Amid Political Chaos

NINicaragua|

More than 900,000 Nicaraguans have fled their country since 2018, driven by political persecution and economic turmoil. As Christmas approaches, many families face the heartache of separation from loved ones. Recent changes to the Immigration and Foreigners Law, backed by President Daniel Ortega's regime, have heightened fears among those seeking to reunite with family members in exile. The law now imposes harsh penalties, including prison sentences for attempting to leave or enter Nicaragua.

Witnessing this situation is the Marcos family, who had planned a Christmas trip to Costa Rica to reunite with a relative in exile. However, the newly enacted law forced them to abandon their plans, fearing reprisals from the government. Similar stories are echoed across Nicaraguan families, where the absence of a member has become a painful norm during the festive season.

Among those impacted is Azucena Bracamonte Valle, a nun who, after five years abroad, was denied entry into Nicaragua due to accusations of "treason." The current repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime has thwarted many Christmas gatherings, and critics claim Nicaragua is experiencing the largest exodus in its history.

This Christmas, feelings of grief and loss resonate deeply in the hearts of those separated by political strife, as families yearn to reunite despite risks posed by the regime. The opposition group Concertación Democrática Nicaragüense Monteverde is raising awareness about these tragic family separations, hoping to keep the stories of those affected in the public eye.

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