Between 1979 and 1990, the world was gripped by Nicaragua’s revolutionary struggle to survive a military, economic and political offensive the likes of which Latin America has not seen since.
During that period, the Sandinista government introduced many groundbreaking reforms – delivering a working democracy, full literacy, universal healthcare and a sense of dignity and purpose to the Nicaraguan people.
It was the frontline of the left in Latin America and an inspiration to people across the world. After 10 years of unrelenting war and with the United States spending millions of dollars supporting the political opposition, the Sandinistas were finally voted out of power in 1990.
In the 16 years that followed, right-wing neo-liberal governments oversaw the looting of much of what had been built. Schools and hospitals closed, unemployment soared and the gap between the rich and the poor widened enormously. Throughout these dark years, the spirit of Sandinismo was kept alive in the Sandinista trade unions, in the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) and in the military.
Through their persistent struggle to defend the powerless, the Sandinistas and their union allies were eventually able to regain some political power in Nicaragua, with Daniel Ortega’s re-election to the presidency in 2006.
Unlike the heady years of the 1980s, the current political situation is complex and more like that of other established democracies. Short-term alliances have been made with former enemies, with many former Sandinistas retiring from the struggle and others even joining the opposition.
But the Sandinistas, supported by the FNT trade union federation, have still made significant socio-economic strides.
Illiteracy has once more been wiped out, a new healthcare system is taking shape, new forms of political participation at local level are being created and successful programmes, such as the “Zero Hunger” initiative, have been adopted, creating significant material improvements for many.
Nicaragua is again on the progressive frontline. In June 2009, the neighbouring government of Honduras was overthrown in a right-wing coup.
In July 2010, Costa Rica – with no army but a defence budget several times the size of Nicaragua’s – accepted the presence of a 46-ship US naval fleet and several thousand US marines until the end of the year.
External menace combines with a vociferous media-fed internal opposition. So, to maintain and build on the gains of the Sandinista government, it is crucial that Nicaragua is once more shown the solidarity its people deserve.
