NICARAGUA LEAVES ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES (OAS)

On November 19, 2023, Nicaragua officially withdrew from the Organization of American States (OAS), a decision that marks a significant distancing of the country from the international community. This decision came after months of tensions between the Nicaraguan government and the OAS, which had harshly criticized the actions of President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Rosario Murillo, in matters of human rights and democracy.

Background of the decision

Nicaragua's decision to withdraw from the OAS has its roots in the deterioration of the country's political and social situation in recent years. Since the 2018 anti-government protests, the Ortega government has intensified its repression against the opposition, leading to numerous arbitrary arrests, human rights violations, and an exodus of people fleeing the country.

In response to these actions, the OAS has issued several resolutions condemning the Nicaraguan government and demanding respect for human rights and democracy. However, the Ortega government has ignored these resolutions, which has caused a growing distance between the country and the organization.

The withdrawal process

Nicaragua's withdrawal process from the OAS began on November 19, 2021, when the government sent a letter to the organization's secretary general, Luis Almagro, notifying its decision to denounce the OAS Constitutive Charter. In accordance with Article 143 of the Charter, the denunciation takes effect two years after being notified to the Secretary General.

During this two-year period, Nicaragua continued to participate in OAS activities, although with an increasingly defiant attitude. The Nicaraguan government repeatedly rejected the organization's criticism and accused the OAS of being an instrument of US imperialism.

On November 19, 2023, two years passed since Nicaragua notified its decision to withdraw from the OAS. From that moment on, the country officially ceased to be a member of the organization.

Consequences of the decision

Nicaragua's decision to withdraw from the OAS has a series of important consequences for the country. First, the country will lose access to the organization's technical and financial cooperation programs. Secondly, the country will be isolated from the international community, which could make it difficult to access international loans and credits.

Furthermore, withdrawal from the OAS could have a negative impact on Nicaragua's international image, which could affect its ability to attract investment and tourism.

Short and long term repercussions

In the short term, Nicaragua's decision to withdraw from the OAS could have a negative impact on the country's economy. Loss of access to the organization's technical and financial cooperation programs could hinder the development of infrastructure projects and the delivery of public services. Furthermore, international isolation could affect the country's ability to attract investment and tourism.

In the long term, Nicaragua's decision to withdraw from the OAS could have a negative impact on the country's democracy. The lack of international oversight could allow the Ortega government to continue repressing the opposition and violating human rights. Furthermore, international isolation could make dialogue between the government and the opposition difficult, which could prolong the country's political crisis.

Conclusion

Nicaragua's decision to withdraw from the OAS is a step backwards for the country in terms of democracy and human rights. This decision could have negative consequences in the short and long term for the country. It is important that the international community closely monitor the situation in Nicaragua and support the efforts of Nicaraguan civil society to defend democracy and human rights.