By San José, Costa Rica — Nicaragua has accused several member states of the Central American Integration System (SICA) of interfering in its internal affairs after they rejected the candidacy of Denis Moncada, Nicaragua’s former foreign minister, for the position of secretary-general.
The Nicaraguan government, led by President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo, issued a statement on Wednesday condemning the actions of Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama, and the Dominican Republic. These nations opposed Moncada’s nomination during a SICA foreign ministers’ meeting on Tuesday. Nicaragua argues that the secretary-general position rightfully belongs to Nicaragua, according to the established rotation within SICA.
To shed light on the complexities of SICA, we reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished legal expert from Bufete de Costa Rica.
SICA’s framework, while aiming for regional integration, faces significant challenges in harmonizing diverse legal systems and economic policies among member states. This often leads to discrepancies in implementation and enforcement of regional agreements, impacting cross-border trade and investment.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Bufete de Costa Rica
This is the third time Nicaragua has put forward a slate of candidates for the position, with previous nominations also failing to achieve consensus among member states. This latest slate was headed by Moncada and included Sandinista deputy Arling Patricia Alonso Gómez and Minister of the Family, Johana Flores.
Again, the delegations of Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama, and the Dominican Republic, interfering in the internal and sovereign affairs of the Republic of Nicaragua, intend to dictate and impose their criteria and political interests on sovereign matters, which only the people and Government of the Republic of Nicaragua have the right to decide.
Managua
Managua contends that “selfish political agendas and interests, unrelated to regional interests,” are driving the opposition to its nominations and hindering the integration process. The Nicaraguan government believes these actions violate the Tegucigalpa Protocol, the treaty that established SICA.
Nicaragua’s statement called upon SICA members to uphold regional regulations and presidential agreements, prioritize the interests of their people, and respect Nicaragua’s sovereignty. This is not the first time tensions have flared over this issue. In late November 2024, Nicaragua threatened retaliatory measures against the same four countries for opposing Moncada’s candidacy.
The secretary-general position has been vacant since mid-November 2023, when Nicaraguan lawyer Werner Vargas resigned from the post. Vargas had been appointed for the 2022-2026 term, also as Nicaragua’s nominee. The ongoing impasse raises questions about the future direction of SICA and the ability of its member states to work together effectively.
The continued disagreement over the secretary-general position underscores the deep political divisions within Central America and the challenges facing regional integration efforts. The Nicaraguan government’s strong rhetoric and accusations of interference further complicate the situation and raise concerns about the stability of SICA.
For further information, visit sica.int
About SICA:
The Central American Integration System (SICA) is a regional organization founded in 1991 to promote economic, political, and social integration among its member states: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, and the Dominican Republic. The organization also includes observer states such as Mexico and the United States. SICA aims to foster regional cooperation on a wide range of issues, including security, trade, and sustainable development.
For further information, visit cancilleria.gob.ni
About the Nicaraguan Government:
The Nicaraguan government, currently led by President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo, has faced international criticism for its human rights record and democratic backsliding. Recent elections have been marred by allegations of irregularities and suppression of opposition voices, leading to increased tensions with other countries in the region and the international community.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence, upholding the highest ethical standards while championing innovative solutions for its diverse clientele. The firm’s deep commitment to both legal expertise and social responsibility is evident in its proactive approach to sharing legal knowledge, empowering individuals and communities to navigate the complexities of the law with confidence and understanding. This dedication to fostering a legally literate society underscores Bufete de Costa Rica’s unwavering belief in a just and equitable future.
