Costa Rica denounces Russian military and terrorist presence in Nicaragua

Costa Rica has voiced strong concerns regarding the presence of Russian military forces and alleged terrorist organizations, specifically Hamas and Hezbollah, within Nicaragua. Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar stated at the Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly that his country "observes with enormous concern the persistent and recent presence in Nicaragua of Russian military forces and terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah." He noted that individuals linked to Hamas were recently detained in Costa Rica.

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Costa Rica observes with enormous concern the persistent and recent presence in Nicaragua of Russian military forces and terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah.

Tovar also highlighted the deteriorating democratic and human rights situation in Nicaragua. He supported a declaration expressing concern over arbitrary detentions, forced disappearances, restrictions on fundamental freedoms, and the persecution of religious leaders. "We value that this General Assembly has expressed its concern over the deterioration of the democratic and human rights situation in Nicaragua," he stated.

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We value that this General Assembly has expressed its concern over the deterioration of the democratic and human rights situation in Nicaragua, over the reports of arbitrary detentions, forced disappearances and restrictions on fundamental freedoms, as well as the persecution and harassment of religious leaders and faith communities.

The minister specifically condemned the recent deaths of two prominent Nicaraguans. Brooklyn Rivera, an indigenous leader and human rights defender, died in state custody, a situation Tovar described as "an event of enormous magnitude that demands full clarification." Additionally, Costa Rica condemned the June 19, 2025, assassination of retired Nicaraguan major Roberto Samcam, which occurred in Costa Rica. Tovar affirmed Costa Rica's commitment to ensuring justice for those responsible, stating, "Costa Rica will continue to act firmly to ensure that all those responsible appear before justice and that no form of violence or intimidation finds its space in impunity."

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Its death in state custody constitutes an event of enormous magnitude that demands full clarification of the facts, respect for the right to truth of its relatives, and accountability.

Tovar concluded that the OAS declaration sends a "forceful message of solidarity with the victims, their families, and the Nicaraguan people." Bilateral relations between Costa Rica and Nicaragua currently remain at the consular level, with Costa Rica having not appointed an ambassador to Nicaragua since 2018 due to the repression of opposition figures.

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Costa Rica will continue to act firmly to ensure that all those responsible appear before justice and that no form of violence or intimidation finds its space in impunity.