“The government of Costa Rica warns at the OAS about the presence of Russian forces in Nicaragua”

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The government of Costa Rica raised a warning at the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) by pointing out its “enormous concern regarding the persistent and recent presence in Nicaragua of Russian military forces and terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah”. The statement was made by Costa Rican Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar this Tuesday, who reported on the recent detention of individuals allegedly linked to Hamas in Costa Rican territory, as reported by the agency EFE.

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Before the representatives of the continent, Tovar stated that the situation in Nicaragua affects the stability of the region and highlighted the importance of adopting a declaration on the Nicaraguan crisis, which is still in draft form. As reported by EFE, the minister stated: “Costa Rica observes with enormous concern the persistent and recent presence in Nicaragua of Russian military forces and terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah. Just yesterday, several individuals linked to or belonging to the Hamas group were detained by police forces in my country”.

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The head of Costa Rican diplomacy stressed that the draft of the OAS declaration represents an instrument to reaffirm democratic values, respect for human rights, and fundamental freedoms in the American continent. Tovar valued that the General Assembly expressed its concern regarding the deterioration of the democratic situation and human rights in Nicaragua, as well as the reports of arbitrary detentions, forced disappearances, and persecution against religious leaders and faith communities.

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Nicaragua is experiencing a state of repression. The police violently suppress any opposition expression in public spaces.

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EFE adds that the Costa Rican foreign minister lamented the passing of Brooklyn Rivera, a Nicaraguan indigenous leader, defender of the rights of native peoples, and beneficiary of protection measures from the inter-American system. “His death while in state custody constitutes an event of enormous magnitude that demands a full clarification of the facts, respect for his family’s right to the truth, and accountability,” stated Tovar before the OAS plenary.

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According to the EFE report, the minister also condemned the murder of Roberto Samcam, a retired Nicaraguan major, which occurred in Costa Rica on June 19, 2025. “We highlight the actions of the national authorities that have allowed for the arrest and judicial prosecution of several suspects. Costa Rica will continue to act firmly to ensure that all those responsible face justice and that no form of violence or intimidation finds space in impunity,” he maintained.

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The declaration promoted by the OAS: “sends a forceful message of solidarity with the victims, their families, and the Nicaraguan people, and of support for the principles established in the OAS Charter, the American Convention on Human Rights, and the Inter-American Democratic Charter”.

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Officials’ hands point to Nicaragua and Russia on a world political map, with flags and logos of both countries, suggesting a strategic international analysis. (Illustrative Image Infobae)

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The background of the crisis between Costa Rica and Nicaragua

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Diplomatic relations between Costa Rica and Nicaragua have remained restricted to the consular level since 2018. The then-Costa Rican president Carlos Alvarado chose not to appoint an ambassador in Managua following the episodes of repression and human rights violations against opponents by the Nicaraguan regime, EFE recalls.

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The crisis in Nicaragua dates back to April 2018, when massive protests were triggered against the dictatorship of Daniel Ortega, president since 2007. According to EFE reports, the situation worsened after the November 2021 elections, in which Ortega, 80 years old, was re-elected for a fifth term, his fourth consecutive one. The elections took place with the main opposition candidates imprisoned, who were later expelled from the country and stripped of their nationality and political rights under accusations of treason and plotting a coup.

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The concern expressed by Costa Rica regarding the presence of foreign military and extremist groups in the region coincides with the international call for the defense of democracy and human rights in Nicaragua. Costa Rican authorities have reiterated their commitment to justice and the prosecution of those responsible for violent incidents in their territory, while requesting the cooperation and vigilance of the international community.

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