Ortega Moves to Further Limit International Cooperation

Nicaraguan dictator Daniel Ortega sent a draft law today to the National Assembly —under the regime’s total control— to regulate the operations of organizations, cooperation agencies, and diplomatic missions in Nicaragua. With this legislation, the government will also control the funds that these institutions provide to the Nicaraguan population.

The law states that international cooperation to Nicaragua “will be carried out without political, economic, social, or cultural conditions, with strict respect for national sovereignty, independence, and self-determination, without interference in internal affairs and in accordance with national legislation and international law principles.”

Additionally, international cooperation “must align with national priorities and be in accordance with the plans, programs, and national strategies established by the Government of Nicaragua,” according to Article 2 of the law  titled “Law Regulating the Cooperation Provided by Organizations, Cooperation Agencies, and Diplomatic Missions Accredited in Nicaragua.”

Article 7 mandates that all cooperation “must have the approval and authorization of the Government, both initially and during its implementation.”

Foreign Ministry to oversee international cooperation

The new legislation will complement a package of reforms —approved in late August 2024— to the regulations governing NGOs in Nicaragua. With these changes, Non-Profit Organizations were required to work “in alliances” with the Ministry of the Interior.

At that time, Sandinista legislator Carlos Emilio López praised the reform package as an attempt by the regime to access and control international cooperation resources.

“This reform will allow the country to efficiently manage all the resources coming to our nation, ensuring there is no duplication, waste, or competition between what the state does and some sectors of society,” said the Sandinista lawmaker.

The proposed law designates the Foreign Ministry as the “competent authority for all matters related to organizations, cooperation agencies, and diplomatic missions.” Nicaragua’s Foreign Ministry is headed by Ortega loyalist Valdrack Ludwing Jaentschke, who has held over 20 diplomatic positions, managed millions of dollars in cooperation funds, and ran his own NGO.

Among the new powers of the Foreign Minister are:

• Accrediting organizations, cooperation agencies, and diplomatic missions.

 • Being the sole communication channel between the Government and organizations, agencies, and missions providing assistance.

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• Requesting periodic reports from organizations, agencies, and diplomatic missions on the execution of international cooperation projects and programs.

• Making recommendations to ensure the correct execution of projects financed by international cooperation.

• Proposing to the Presidency mechanisms for inter-institutional coordination for the implementation of projects developed with international cooperation.

• Any other tasks assigned by the Presidency and current laws.

Accreditation of International Aid Workers

The legislation specifies that, for accreditation before the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, organizations and cooperation agencies must provide the following information:

1. Name of the Organization or Agency.
2. Founding instrument.
3. Name of the Representative in Nicaragua.
4. Letter of intent specifying the nature of the cooperation to be provided.

It also warns that Foreign Affairs “may request any additional information it deems appropriate for the accreditation process.”

Article 6 of the law states that, prior to the appointment of a staff member, organizations and agencies “must request the written consent of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, specifying the position and functions to be carried out.”

“The request must be accompanied by the proposed staff member’s curriculum vitae”.

The dictatorship warns that “the number of officials or staff to be accredited must remain within reasonable limits.” This number will be established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “taking into account the activities to be carried out in the country.”

This article was published in Spanish in Confidencial and translated by Havana Times. To get the most relevant news from our English coverage delivered straight to your inbox, subscribe to The Dispatch.