The United States Department of State has taken a strong stance against the Nicaraguan regime of Daniel Ortega, citing concerns over the “dismantling” of democracy and increased cooperation with Russia. In response, the State Department has imposed restrictions on the import and export of items and defense services of US origin with destination or origin in Nicaragua.
According to a press release by Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the State Department, the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) has been modified to reflect the concerns about Nicaragua’s authoritarian government and its ties to Russia. The decision to apply arms restrictions to Nicaragua was made due to the continuous attacks on democratic institutions, civil society, and the increased cooperation with Russia, including support for the invasion of Ukraine.
The sanctions mean that Nicaragua will be added to the list of countries to which the US denies licenses for exports and imports of defense services and articles. This move reflects the US government’s opposition to the arms trade with Nicaragua and Ortega’s regime.
In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in security cooperation between Nicaragua and Russia, with senior Russian officials visiting the country and signing security agreements. This has raised concerns about the implications of the growing relationship between the two countries.
Despite the sanctions, it is noted that the Nicaraguan Army has been largely equipped with Russian-made weapons and equipment, reducing the impact of the restrictions on US weapons. However, the move is seen as a warning that more sanctions may come in the future, and it puts Nicaragua in the spotlight of the arms market business.
The decision to impose arms restrictions on Nicaragua puts it on a list of countries that includes Afghanistan, Russia, and other nations with similar restrictions. It remains to be seen how this move will affect the relationship between the US and Nicaragua, as well as the broader implications for regional security.