OFAC has operated a sanctions programme against the Nicaraguan government of Daniel Ortega since 2018. The programme was first imposed in response to a violent crackdown ordered by the government against protestors.
On 9th October 2023 the EU extended its Nicaragua sanctions program until 15th October 2024.
Sanction Name
Targeted restrictive measures in view of the situation in Nicaragua
SANCTIONS
First Imposed
Last updated
Targets
Asset Freeze and Travel Ban:
• Targeted at those responsible for human rights violations or abuses or for the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Nicaragua, as well as persons and entities whose actions, policies or activities otherwise undermine democracy and the rule of law in Nicaragua.
Exemptions
1. EU member states are permitted to grant exemptions to the sanctions programme for reasons of: payment for basic living needs; payment of legal services and other fees associated with maintaining bank accounts; the fulfilment of contracts signed before the imposition of the sanctions programme; extraordinary exemptions; or for the fulfilment of diplomatic or consular missions.
2. Frozen funds belonging to sanctions targets can be unblocked in order to satisfy enforceable judgements.
3. Funds may be unfrozen by EU member states for humanitarian purposes.
Sanction Name
Regulation on measures against Nicaragua
SANCTIONS
First Imposed
Last updated
Targets
Asset Freeze and Travel Ban:
• Targeted at those responsible for human rights violations or abuses or for the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Nicaragua, as well as persons and entities whose actions, policies or activities otherwise undermine democracy and the rule of law in Nicaragua.
Exemptions
1. SECO may authorise some payments subject to the sanctions programme for: basic living needs; to fulfil existing contracts; for judicial or diplomatic reasons; or to protect Swiss interests.
2. SECO allows for exemptions from the sanctions measures for humanitarian aid, such as medical care, delivering food, and for humanitarian workers.
On 14th March 2024 the US imposed restrictions on the import and export of U.S. origin defense articles and defense services destined for or originating in Nicaragua. The Department of State has amended the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) to update the defense trade policy toward Nicaragua. This action was taken in response to concerns regarding continuing brutal repression by Ortega-Murillo authorities against the people of Nicaragua, including recent sham elections on the Caribbean coast populated mainly by Indigenous individuals and Afro-descendants.
On 21st March 2024, OFAC sanctioned Wendy Carolina Morales Urbina, Nicaragua’s Attorney General,for being complicit in the Ortega-Murillo regime’s oppression.
Sanction Name
Special Designations against Certain Persons Contributing to the Situation in Nicaragua
First Imposed
Last updated
Targets
Specially Designated National:
• Targeted at those deemed to be responsible for serious human rights abuses in Nicaragua, actions or policies that undermine peace or democracy, or any corrupt activity in the country. Officials of the Government of Nicaragua who have served since January 2007 or anyone who has financially assisted any of the above individuals are also sanctioned.
• There are currently six individuals sanctioned under the programme, including Nicaraguan Vice President and First Lady Rosario Maria Murillo De Ortega; and National Security Advisor Nestor Mancada Lau.
Exemptions
1.Exemptions apply to the winding down of transactions involving the Directorate General of Mines (“DGM”) of the Nicaraguan Ministry of Energy and Mines, or any entity in which DGM owns, directly or indirectly, a 50% or greater interest that are prohibited by Nicaragua Sanctions Regulations.
Links 1
Sanction Name
Targeted restrictive measures in view of the situation in Nicaragua
SANCTIONS
First Imposed
Last updated
Targets
Asset Freeze and Travel Ban:
• Targeted at those responsible for human rights violations or abuses or for the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Nicaragua, as well as persons and entities whose actions, policies or activities otherwise undermine democracy and the rule of law in Nicaragua.
Exemptions
1. Payment for basic living needs; payment for legal services and other fees associated with maintaining bank accounts; the fulfilment of contracts that were signed before the imposition of the sanctions programme; extraordinary exemptions; or for the fulfilment of diplomatic or consular missions.
2. Frozen funds belonging to sanctions targets can be unblocked in order to satisfy enforceable judgements.
3. Humanitarian purposes.
