About Nicaragua
Nicaragua, the largest country in Central America, captivates with its dramatic volcanic landscapes, expansive lakes, and rich cultural heritage. However, its global news coverage is significantly shaped by an authoritarian government that has systematically suppressed independent media, leading to a severely restricted press environment. This dynamic means that information flow is tightly controlled, impacting the diversity of narratives available.
Visiting Nicaragua
Media landscape
The media environment in Nicaragua is extensively controlled by the government, which has closed independent outlets, confiscated their assets, and imprisoned journalists. Consequently, there are no openly operating independent newspapers, TV channels, or radio stations within the country, forcing many journalists into exile.
To gain a comprehensive understanding, seek out news from independent digital platforms and journalists operating from exile, as domestic media is largely state-aligned.
Nicaragua Needs to Redefine Democracy for a True Foundation
- Nicaragua needs to redefine "democracy" beyond electoral processes to include genuine citizen influence on public policy and address systemic oppression. - The author argues that Nicaragua has histo…
US seeks private firm to pursue deportees abroad for unpaid immigration fines
- The U.S. government seeks to hire a private company to locate deportees in Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras who owe unpaid immigration fines. - The company would be responsible for notifying individu…
Why is Russia's Central Bank selling its gold?
- Russia has sold significant amounts of gold reserves in 2026 to address a budget deficit, reaching its lowest level since before the Ukraine invasion. - The sales, likely generating over $5 billion,…
Fever days in Havana
- A person in Havana describes experiencing severe symptoms including shoulder pain, headache, fever, and difficulty speaking and swallowing. - The author suspects a mosquito-borne virus due to the wo…
The Return of Fujimorismo and Keiko Fujimori's Challenges in Peru
- Keiko Fujimori's rise to the presidency of Peru marks the end of a political cycle that began with Alberto Fujimori's regime in 2000. - Her election as the first female president signifies a signifi…
Unprecedented Sun Images Reveal Swirling Vortices
- International scientists captured unprecedented images of the Sun's visible surface, revealing dynamic structures and swirling vortices. - The detailed images, taken by the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Te…
Women Die More in Heatwaves, But Why?
- Women are dying at higher rates than men during heatwaves, a pattern observed across Europe. - While hormonal explanations are common, scientists suggest lifestyle and social factors play a larger r…
Villages evacuated in Guatemala as Fuego volcano erupts
- Hundreds of people evacuated villages on the slopes of Guatemala's Fuego volcano and are in shelters. - The volcano, Central America's most active, erupted with increased intensity, spewing lava and…
OAS to discuss Nicaragua's potential election cancellation amid constitutional reform
- The Organization of American States (OAS) is set to discuss Nicaragua's potential constitutional reform that would eliminate presidential term limits. - This discussion follows Nicaraguan President …
Costa Rica to Punish Illegal Nicaraguan Miners with Up to Six Years in Prison
- Costa Rica's Legislative Assembly approved a bill in its first debate to classify illegal mining as organized crime. - The law raises prison sentences to up to six years for those operating in struc…
Nicaragua's ruling party monologues to silent private sector
- Nicaraguan authorities invited business leaders to discuss reforms, but presented them with pre-determined changes instead of seeking input. - Business figures remained largely silent during the mee…
The faceless owners of political prisoners: a machinery of perversion
- The Venezuelan regime under Chávez, Maduro, and Cabello is characterized by a deliberate machinery of perversion. - This perversion is not accidental corruption but the core logic of power, creating…
Historian Analyzes Global Reactionary Wave, 'Wokismo,' and 'Progressivism'
- A new book by historian Pablo Stefanoni explores the rise of the global reactionary wave and its targeting of left-wing movements. - The book differentiates various forms of the "new right" and anal…
IACHR urges OAS to activate Democratic Charter over Nicaragua's authoritarian shift
- The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) condemned Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega's statement that elections will no longer occur in the country. - The IACHR urged the Organization …
Ortega Declares 'No More Elections' in Nicaragua, Crushing Democratic Hopes
- Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega declared that "no more elections" would be held, effectively ending the possibility of opposition power through the ballot box. - This announcement reinforces the …
Morocco-Ceuta border crisis subsides, EU ministers to convene
- Spain and Morocco are working to restore normalcy at the border between Fnideq and Ceuta after a massive influx of over 60,000 migrants. - The crisis resulted in at least 67 deaths and clashes betwe…
Bomb Attack in Colombia Injures 11 Ahead of Presidential Inauguration
- A car bomb exploded near a police command center in Cúcuta, Colombia, injuring at least eleven people, including eight police officers. - The attack occurred six days before the inauguration of Pres…
FIFA scraps World Cup commercialization plan amid widespread opposition
- FIFA has abandoned its plan to create a subsidiary for commercializing the World Cup after facing significant opposition. - The organization stated the project created divisions and no longer served…
Each Country Decides: A Critique of Mexican Presidential Statements
- The article critiques Mexican presidential pronouncements, suggesting they often lack seriousness. - It discusses Claudia Sheinbaum's response to Daniel Ortega's suspension of elections in Nicaragua…
Ortega Defends Reforms to 'Strengthen Peace,' Extend Term
- Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega defended proposed constitutional reforms aimed at extending his term, claiming they are necessary to
U.S. raises visa bond to $20,000 for Nicaraguans and citizens of 49 other nations
- The U.S. Department of State has increased the visa bond requirement to $20,000 for business and tourist visas (B1 and B2) for citizens of approximately 50 countries, including Nicaragua. - This pil…
Nicaragua Pressure Mounts as Paraguay, Costa Rica Back U.S. OAS Initiative
- Paraguay and Costa Rica are backing a U.S. initiative at the Organization of American States (OAS) to discuss Nicaragua's political situation. - The U.S. initiative condemns President Daniel Ortega…
Nicaragua Extends Public Officials' Terms to Seven Years in Constitutional 'Patch'
- Nicaragua's political leadership is extending the terms of nearly 7,000 public officials to seven years through a constitutional amendment. - The extended terms affect deputies, magistrates, mayors,…
Fury against FIFA: 'Infantino must go', 'The World Cup is not for sale', 'This is not baseball'
- FIFA plans to create a new commercial subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which has drawn criticism from UEFA. - UEFA views the FFE as a move to sell stakes in the World Cup and has scheduled…
Cuba Opens Key Sectors to Private Investment Amid U.S. Pressure
- Cuba is opening previously state-controlled sectors like gas stations, pharmacies, and renewable energy to private investment under pressure from the U.S. - The move marks a significant shift for th…
Nicaragua regime to extend military, police chief terms to seven years
- Nicaragua's ruling party plans to extend the terms of military and police chiefs from six to seven years through a constitutional reform. - The proposed changes, driven by Daniel Ortega and Rosario …
Police End "Gold Rush" in Santa Rosa del Peñón, Nicaragua
- Nicaraguan police dispersed over a hundred artisanal gold miners, including women and the elderly, from the Sinecapa riverbank in Santa Rosa del Peñón. - The miners were warned against returning aft…
Abolishing elections is a regressive step, even in a closed dictatorship
- Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega announced the abolition of elections, a move described as a step backward even for a dictatorship. - This decision revokes the right to choose authorities, reminis…
Mexico and Nicaragua: Recovering the gaze
- Mexico's President Andrés Manuel López Obrador offered asylum to 222 political prisoners released by Nicaragua's Daniel Ortega in 2023. - However, López Obrador refrained from commenting on the dict…
Nicaragua Assembly to "Consult" on 7-Year Renewable Terms for Ortega and Murillo
- Nicaragua's National Assembly is "consulting" on a proposal to allow President Ortega and Vice President Murillo to hold "renewable 7-year terms." - This move is seen as a step toward enshrining in …
El Salvador: Opposition Selects Rivals for Bukele in Upcoming Elections
- El Salvador's traditional parties, Arena and FMLN, have selected their presidential candidates to challenge incumbent Nayib Bukele in the upcoming February elections. - Both Arena's Mayteé Iraheta a…
Why do we crave salty foods when we are at the sea?
- The article explores why people crave salty foods, particularly at the beach, linking it to physiological and psychological factors. - Physiological reasons include sodium loss through sweat, which …
Colombia to sever diplomatic ties with Nicaragua and Cuba
- Colombia's President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella announced plans to close at least 14 embassies, including those in Cuba and Nicaragua, with which diplomatic relations will be severed. - De la Es…
Over 12,200 Nicaraguans detained in U.S. since January 2025, with many deported
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 12,271 Nicaraguan migrants between January 2025 and March 2026. - Over 66% of those detained, approximately 8,000 individuals, have already be…
Ortega's Wife Maps Political Course Ahead of 2027 Nicaraguan Elections
- Rosario Murillo, wife of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, is positioning herself politically ahead of the November 2027 elections. - Murillo has been organizing mass recruitment for the ruling FS…
Juan Orlando Hernández returns to Honduras to face justice after U.S. pardon
- Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández returned to Honduras on July 26, 2026, to face judicial proceedings. - He will face local charges for alleged money laundering and fraud, with an ini…
Nicaragua's Ortega says elections will not return, citing 'brute force'
- Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega has declared that elections will no longer be held to prevent opposition parties from gaining power. - Ortega's government is drafting reforms to constitutionally …
Panama investigates possible recruitment by Russia and Ukraine
- Panama is investigating reports of Russian and Ukrainian recruitment of its citizens for the war. - The Foreign Ministry has repeatedly requested information from the Russian and Ukrainian embassies…
Venezuela begins definitive withdrawal from International Criminal Court
- Venezuela has initiated its definitive withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), which was investigating alleged crimes against humanity since 2017. - The Venezuelan government cited a…
EU Urges Nicaragua to Hold 'Transparent, Inclusive, Credible' Elections
- The European Union urged Nicaragua to hold "transparent, inclusive, and credible" elections, contradicting President Daniel Ortega's statement that elections would not occur again. - The EU condemne…
"El Niño" Threatens Honey Harvest for 1,000 Nicaraguan Families
- Nicaragua anticipates a significantly reduced honey harvest in 2026 due to climate change and the effects of "El Niño," impacting about 1,000 families. - The Ministry of Agriculture projects a 58.1%…
Nicaragua withdraws ambassador to Colombia amid tense relations
- Nicaragua revoked the appointment of its ambassador to Colombia, Harold de Jesús Delgado. - The decision follows Colombia's announcement that it will not maintain a diplomatic mission in Managua. - …
Honduras' Ex-President Hernández Returns Home After U.S. Pardon, Faces New Charges
- Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández is set to return to court on August 3 to face charges of fraud and money laundering. - Hernández was previously extradited to the U.S. and sentenced …
Costa Rica captures top drug lord "Diablo" after decade on the run
- Costa Rican authorities captured fugitive drug lord Alejandro Arias Monge, alias "Diablo," on July 24, 2026. - "Diablo" was considered the country's most wanted criminal, with the U.S. offering a $5…
EU fines Google 890 million euros for prioritizing services and restricting app developers
- The European Commission fined Google 890 million euros for prioritizing its own services in search results and restricting app developers. - Google must end these practices within 60 days or face ad…
LatAm's Talent Exodus: Skilled Professionals Emigrate to Spain, Draining Regional Human Capital
- Latin America is experiencing a significant emigration of its highly educated young professionals, primarily to Spain. - These migrants seek institutional stability, legal security, and better profe…
What SICA Countries Must Do
- Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega announced plans to legally block opposition parties from participating in future elections. - Ortega, who controls the National Assembly, stated his intention to c…
Latin American countries reject Nicaragua's potential election abolition
- Several Latin American countries have condemned Nicaragua's potential abolition of elections. - Governments in the Dominican Republic, Chile, Brazil, Bolivia, and Guatemala have spoken out against t…
Spain: Over 70% of Immigrant Regularization Requests Granted Temporary Permits Amidst Political Boycott
- Over 70% of nearly 1.2 million immigrants seeking regularization in Spain have received initial permits to live and work temporarily. - A meeting called by the Spanish government to discuss the regu…
Nicaragua's Ortega Declares End to Elections, Further Consolidating Autocratic Rule
- Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega announced that no further elections will be held in the country. - Ortega plans to introduce further constitutional reforms, building on those from 2024 that conso…
Tyranny without masks in Nicaragua
- Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega declared that elections will no longer be held in the country. - This statement consolidates his authoritarian rule, moving away from the pretense of democratic pr…
Youth employment crisis becomes global issue
- The global youth employment crisis, initially evident in China, signals deep economic and social challenges for governments and businesses. - By 2025, widespread unemployment and limited economic op…
UN urges Nicaragua to allow all citizens to vote and run for office
- The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights criticized Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega's statements against free elections. - Ortega declared that his regime would not permit electoral processes th…
Nicaragua's 'Electoral Circus' and Rosario Murillo's Power: 'Rotten Fruit'
- Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega declared that elections would not happen again, aiming to prevent the opposition from returning to power. - Political scientist Manuel Orozco and historian Dora Ma…
War in Iran has cost the United States $37.5 billion
- The war against Iran has cost the United States approximately $37.5 billion, according to the Defense Secretary. - This figure includes incurred and projected expenses through September 30, covering…
Ortega's repression 'annihilates' independent journalism in Nicaragua
- Nicaragua is described as the most extreme case of freedom of expression and press annulment in Central America. - Independent journalism within the country has been virtually annihilated due to sys…
Panama Recalls Ambassador to Nicaragua Over Ortega's Election Remarks
- Panama has recalled its ambassador to Nicaragua following President Daniel Ortega's statement that elections will no longer be held in the country. - Panama's Foreign Ministry described Ortega's rem…
Costa Rica expresses 'deep concern' over Nicaragua's political situation
- Costa Rica expressed "deep concern" over Nicaragua's political situation and the systematic closure of civic spaces. - The government cited President Daniel Ortega's announcement to prevent election…
Europe Considers Sending Migrants to African Detention Centers Under New Return Regulation
- The EU's new Return Regulation allows for migrants denied asylum to be sent to detention centers outside Europe for up to 30 months. - Human rights groups express concern that this policy risks viol…
Five years on, a mistaken response
- Five years after the July 11, 2021 protests, the author reflects on whether Cuba would be different if the government had listened to the demonstrators. - The protests, marked by calls for freedom a…
Ortega declares end to democratic alternation in Nicaragua, rules out elections
- Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega declared that democratic alternation in the country is over, stating elections will not be allowed to threaten the ruling party's control. - Ortega, who has govern…
Ferran Torres makes Spain world champion in the 106th minute
- Spain won the 2026 World Cup, beating Argentina 1-0 in the final. - Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute of extra time. - Argentina played the entire extra period with ten men a…
That July 19th
- The author reflects on the 47th anniversary of the Sandinista Revolution's triumph in Nicaragua on July 19, 1979. - The piece contrasts the joyous memories of liberation with the current political c…
Mbappé Becomes All-Time World Cup Top Scorer, England Takes Third Place
- Kylian Mbappé scored twice in the World Cup third-place match, becoming the provisional top scorer of the 2026 World Cup and the all-time World Cup history leader. - England defeated France 4-6, wit…
Nicaragua's July 19 Anniversary: Disappointment, Indifference, and Forced Worship
- Nicaragua marks the anniversary of the 1979 Sandinista revolution, but the date is now divisive, with critics calling the current regime a new dictatorship. - Many citizens, including former Sandini…
Mexico: Something Has Run Out with the United States
- Mexico's relationship with the United States under the Trump administration has seen escalating tensions, with current diplomatic strategies proving ineffective. - Issues range from trade disputes a…
Daily Cartoon | "The FSLN's power of convocatoria"
- A political cartoon from Confidencial criticizes the Sandinista National Liberation Front's (FSLN) perceived lack of popular support. - The cartoon, titled "The FSLN's power of convocatoria," visual…
Can You Hear Two People at Once? Science Says Yes
- Scientists have found that the human brain can follow two conversations simultaneously for brief periods. - This ability, called "neuronal overlap," allows a person to process a new speaker before c…
Inter-American rights body urges Nicaragua to reveal bishop's whereabouts
- The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) demanded Nicaragua's government immediately disclose the whereabouts of Bishop Juan Abelardo Mata. - Mata, 80, was detained on June 29, 2026, af…
Street Smarts vs. Academy Training: What Makes Elite Footballers?
- The debate continues on whether footballers who learned on the street possess superior skills compared to those trained in academies. - While street play offers technical variability and high practi…
Ortega matches record for 61 days of public absence
- Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega is set to tie his record for consecutive public absences, reaching 61 days on July 19, 2026. - An analysis by CONFIDENCIAL shows Ortega, 80, has had only 118 publi…
France Soccer Team Flew on Deportation Flight from Nicaragua
- The French national soccer team traveled to a recent World Cup match on a plane previously used for deporting Nicaraguan migrants. - The aircraft, operated by Global X, had transported deportees fro…
18 indigenous territories in Nicaragua threatened by mining concessions
- At least 62 mining concessions are located within 18 indigenous territories in Nicaragua, covering over 681,000 hectares. - This activity threatens rivers and ecosystems, posing "potentially irrever…
US Halts Most ICE Highway Stops After Fatal Shootings
- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security ordered a temporary halt to most highway checkpoints by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. - The decision followed the fatal shootings of two …
Spain Spoils France's Party, Reaches World Cup Final!
- Spain defeated France 2-0 to reach the World Cup final. - Mikel Oyarzabal scored a penalty in the first half, and Pedro Porro added a second goal after halftime. - The Spanish team's collective perf…
Bukele designated presidential candidate for third term in El Salvador
- El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele has been designated as the presidential candidate for his party, Nuevas Ideas, in the upcoming February elections. - Bukele is seeking a third term following a c…
Nicaragua's Attorney General to decide on Russian extraditions
- Nicaragua's Attorney General's Office will decide on extraditions to Russia under a new treaty. - This shifts authority from the Supreme Court of Justice, consolidating power within the executive b…
Central American Bishops Express Concern Over Bishop Abelardo Mata's Health
- Central American bishops expressed concern over the health of Nicaraguan Bishop Abelardo Mata. - They requested the Ortega-Murillo regime allow his doctor and caregivers access to him, as his condit…
Nicaragua: Rights group denounces "silent purge" of lawyers
- Nicaragua's Group of Experts on Human Rights (GHREN) denounced the arbitrary suspension of thousands of lawyers' and notaries' titles as a dismantling of the rule of law. - The UN experts stated tha…
Gasoline lines lengthen across Russia amid deepening fuel crisis
- Drivers across Russia are facing long queues and days-long waits for gasoline due to an escalating fuel shortage. - Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries have exacerbated the crisis, wit…
Cuba's electricity recovery slow amid fuel shortages after massive blackout
- Cuba is struggling to restore electricity after a massive blackout on Friday, the second in a week, with fuel shortages hindering recovery efforts. - State company Unión Eléctrica reported only 12.9…
Antonieta Herrera, the Nicaraguan who dresses brides and celebrities in Europe, Asia, and America
- Antonieta Herrera, originally from Jalapa, Nicaragua, grew up sewing and now designs for European, Asian, and American celebrities and haute couture firms. - She pursued her dream of having her own …
Cuba suffers second island-wide blackout in a week
- Cuba experienced its second nationwide power outage in five days on Friday, July 11, 2026, affecting the entire national electricity grid. - The state electricity company cited a combination of low …
Double earthquake in Venezuela: a tragedy foretold
- A double earthquake in Venezuela on June 24 has caused a significant tragedy, with official figures still incomplete. - International agencies and monitoring platforms estimate a much higher death t…
Confidencial: My School, My Home
- The author reflects on their decision to pursue journalism while studying Social Communication at the Universidad Centroamericana (UCA) in 2009. - They found the university's curriculum for "integra…
Nicaragua suspends thousands of lawyers' licenses, threatening legal certainty
- Nicaragua's Supreme Court of Justice has suspended the licenses of thousands of lawyers and public notaries without a disciplinary process. - The arbitrary decision, which began notifications in ear…
Whitening clouds could curb El Niño, study suggests
- A study suggests that selectively whitening marine clouds could theoretically mitigate an emerging El Niño. - This geoengineering technique involves spraying seawater into the atmosphere to make clo…
Ortega and Murillo abandon Venezuela in its hour of need after earthquakes
- Nicaragua's regime under Ortega and Murillo offered only condolences to Venezuela after recent earthquakes. - This lack of aid contrasts sharply with the significant assistance provided by dozens of…
Nicaragua Pays Millions in Foreign Debt, Receives Little New Capital
- Nicaragua's total external debt grew by $107.5 million in the first quarter of 2026, but the country only received a net flow of $11.5 million in new capital. - The public sector saw a positive net …
When influencers make the news: fame beyond the algorithm
- Traditional media are increasingly reporting on the deaths of digital influencers, bringing them to wider public attention. - This phenomenon raises questions about when online fame translates to so…
Illicit trade thrives in Central America, from cigarettes to agrochemicals: Tracit
- Illicit trade in products ranging from cigarettes to agrochemicals is rampant in Central America due to weak customs controls and supply chain vulnerabilities, according to Tracit. - A Tracit report…
US launches new strikes on Iran, ending truce
- The U.S. Central Command launched new attacks against Iran, ending a truce and aiming to degrade Tehran's ability to threaten navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. - These strikes were a response to r…
“They have us going from hospital to hospital,” recounts family of missing Nicaraguan in Venezuela after earthquakes
- Families are searching hospitals in Venezuela for a missing Nicaraguan woman, Reyna Isabel Balladares Chavarría, and her Venezuelan husband, Carlos Gutiérrez Olivares, who disappeared after earthqua…
Cyborg Cockroaches Get Suits Giving Them New Superpowers
- Researchers have developed a system to turn cockroaches into amphibious cyborgs capable of moving and breathing underwater. - This technology uses a 3D-printed suit that functions like an oxygen tan…
El Niño and Dictatorship Combine to Threaten Nicaragua's Dry Corridor
- Residents of Nicaragua's Dry Corridor face increased risks in 2026 due to a potentially stronger El Niño phenomenon, leading to even less rainfall. - The expulsion of the UN's Food and Agriculture O…
New Vaccine Shows Promise in Extending Lifespan for Brain Tumor Patients
- A new vaccine offers hope for patients with difficult-to-treat brain tumors. - Current treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation often have limited success, with aggressive tumors allowin…
Nicaragua's primary economic sectors report losses amid slowdown
- Nicaragua's primary economic sectors, including agriculture, fishing, forestry, and mining, are experiencing significant downturns. - The Monthly Economic Activity Index (IMAE) for April 2026 showed…
Confidencial celebrates 30 years of independent journalism amid dictatorship challenges
- Confidencial and Esta Semana celebrate 30 years of independent journalism in Nicaragua. - The publication has faced significant challenges, including two assaults on its newsroom and exile for its s…
Confidencial Marks 30 Years with Selection of Iconic Covers Documenting Nicaragua's History
- Confidencial, a Nicaraguan magazine, is celebrating 30 years of publication with a selection of 30 emblematic covers. - The magazine documented Nicaragua's political and social transformations from …
How cryptocurrencies are changing global politics
- Donald Trump, who once called cryptocurrencies a "disaster," reportedly earned over $1 billion in 2025 from crypto-related ventures. - His favorable policies towards crypto, including reduced regula…