Daniel Ortega defies U.S. threats: Neither his government nor Nicaragua’s army will ‘sell out or surrender’

Daniel Ortega answered U.S. pressure with a defiant message to Nicaragua’s army: neither the government nor the military, he said, would “sell out or surrender.”

Speaking at an event marking the military’s 47th anniversary, Ortega invoked a “strength that comes from God” as he challenged what he called constant external threats. “Here is a people and an army that neither sells out nor surrenders, ever,” he said.

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Here is a people and an army that neither sells out nor surrenders, ever.

The remarks came after the United States urged its international partners to stop trading with Nicaragua and end operations with what Washington described as a “brutal dictatorship.” The appeal followed the first of two required legislative approvals for constitutional reforms promoted by Ortega and co-president Rosario Murillo.

The proposed changes would prevent people labeled “traitors to the homeland” from holding elected office and would extend the presidential mandate to seven years. The reforms must also be approved by the next National Assembly legislature, which runs from Jan. 9 to Dec. 15, 2027. Ortega said that vote would take place on Jan. 18.

Ortega said Army chief Julio César Avilés fully supported the National Assembly’s decision to amend the Constitution. Avilés called on soldiers to remain loyal and firm, addressing what he described as “traitors and sellers-out of the homeland.”

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The strength that comes from Christ, that comes from God.

Ortega also urged the military and his supporters to stay alert, describing the enemy as a global military power that believes it has the right to attack anywhere. He said Nicaragua had repeatedly defeated attempts to end its independence, self-determination, freedom and democracy.

Referring to the mass protests that began in April 2018 over social security reforms, Ortega said that after Nicaragua had achieved peace, “the storm came.” The demonstrations later grew into demands for his resignation after the government responded with force.

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To the traitors and sellers-out of the homeland, the shame of the nation, we say: here we are, the soldiers of the homeland, always loyal, firm, united and unwavering.