Nicaraguan Families Face Heartbreak and Separation This Holiday Season

NINicaragua|

As Christmas approaches, the emotional toll of political exile becomes painfully evident for many Nicaraguan families. More than 900,000 Nicaraguans have fled the country since 2018 due to political persecution and economic hardship, leaving countless families divided.

The government of President Daniel Ortega recently implemented stringent changes to the Immigration and Foreigners Law, effectively sealing off the country for those wishing to reconnect with loved ones abroad. Families, such as that of an opponent known as Marcos, planned to reunite in Costa Rica for the holidays. However, after learning about the new regulations—which impose severe penalties for attempting to leave Nicaragua—those plans were dashed. "The grief really affects us emotionally," said a family member, lamenting the nearly two and a half years they have been apart.

The widespread impact of this migration crisis is reflected in individual stories, including that of a nun who was denied entry back to Nicaragua during a layover in Mexico, labeled as a traitor by authorities.

Opposition group Concertación Democrática Nicaragüense (CDN) highlighted that almost every family is touched by this exodus, as they launched the campaign “Every life tells us a story” to share experiences of separation and loss during this festive season.

Meanwhile, Ortega's administration continues to dismiss claims of repression, with co-president Rosario Murillo portraying a narrative of national unity and peace. However, exiled Nicaraguans assert that the regime's actions foster a climate of fear and division, leaving many to endure another holiday apart from loved ones.

In a country of over six million, the emotional scars of separation resonate deeply, hindering the joy typically associated with family gatherings during Christmas.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from Nicaragua

Nicaraguan Priests Face Crackdown Amidst Religious Freedom Violations

A report by Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reveals that the Nicaraguan government is intensifying its control over the Catholic Church, imposing restrictions on religious practices and surveilling clergy. The Sandinista government has reportedly deployed undercover police to monitor sermons and restrict priests' movements, according to an unnamed parish priest who spoke to EL PAÍS. Father Fabricio, who has received warnings from the regime led by Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, described feeling “emasculated” as he navigates the dangers of speaking freely during Holy Week celebrations. He cited incidents where priests were warned against holding traditional processions and moderated messages from the pulpit for fear of imprisonment or exile. CSW documented 222 violations of religious freedom in Nicaragua, including the arrests of various religious leaders. The United Nations has also corroborated reports of state-sponsored harassment of religious communities, highlighting a broader strategy of surveillance and control utilized by the Ortega-Murillo regime. In a troubling trend, tax exemptions for religious institutions have been revoked, exacerbating the financial strain on the Catholic Church.
NINicaragua

Christmas Highlighted by Family Separation Crisis in Nicaragua

More than 900,000 Nicaraguans have fled the country since 2018 due to political persecution and an economic crisis, leading to profound emotional distress during the holiday season, according to opposition groups. The Sandinista government’s recent amendments to the Immigration and Foreigners Law have intensified these separations by making it illegal for citizens and residents to leave or return to Nicaragua without severe penalties, including prison sentences. One family, whose member sought refuge in Costa Rica, had to cancel their planned Christmas reunion due to fears of retribution and government surveillance. Azucena Bracamonte Valle, after five years in exile, was recently denied entry into Nicaragua for alleged "treason" while in Mexico. As families face ongoing turmoil, opposition group Concertación Democrática Nicaragüense Monteverde stated, "Nicaragua is suffering the largest exodus in its history." The repeated trauma of family separation is echoed across the nation, where nearly every family has lost a member to exile. In stark contrast, Rosario Murillo, co-president of Nicaragua, recently portrayed a harmonious holiday season, prompting criticism from exiled families, who argue that the regime continues to destroy familial ties.
NINicaragua

Christmas Tragedy: Nicaraguans Face Separation Amid Political Crisis

Christmas this year is filled with sorrow for many Nicaraguans, as over 900,000 people have fled the country since 2018 due to political persecution and economic turmoil. The recent reform of the Immigration and Foreigners Law by the Ortega-Murillo regime has intensified family separations, making it difficult for loved ones to reunite during the holidays. According to relatives of exiles, plans to visit family members in Costa Rica were abruptly canceled due to fears of imprisonment or being barred from re-entering Nicaragua. One anonymous family member shared their anguish, highlighting the emotional toll of such separations. The opposition group Concertación Democrática Nicaragüense Monteverde has stated that "Nicaragua is suffering the largest exodus in its history," a sentiment echoed by exiles like María Laura Alvarado who lament the absence of family gatherings during a season traditionally associated with unity and celebration. The Sandinista leadership, however, continues to promote a narrative of stability and joy during the holidays, as articulated by co-president Rosario Murillo. The stark contrast between government claims and the realities faced by Nicaraguan families underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the country.
NINicaragua
All Nicaragua News ->