Veterans For Peace Delegation Witnesses Nicaragua’s Remarkable Social Progress Amidst US Sanctions
A delegation of seven members from Veterans For Peace (VFP), a US-based anti-war organization, embarked on a week-long fact-finding mission to Nicaragua in March 2024. The veterans, hailing from five different states, sought to witness firsthand the social and economic realities of the Central American nation, often portrayed negatively in Western media. Their itinerary included visits to community clinics, schools, youth groups, and meetings with local officials in cities like Managua, Matagalpa, Masaya, and Ciudad Sandino. The delegation’s overarching observation was one of astonishment at Nicaragua’s commitment to providing free, high-quality healthcare and education to its citizens, despite being the third poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. This starkly contrasted with the delegation’s experiences in the US, where they noted a concerning trend towards the erosion of social safety nets.
The VFP delegation’s interactions with various segments of Nicaraguan society provided a nuanced understanding of the country’s socio-political landscape. A particularly impactful encounter was with the Juventud Sandinista, a youth group dedicated to upholding the principles of the Sandinista revolution. The veterans were impressed by the group’s passion and commitment to social justice, a legacy of the Sandinista movement’s historical struggle against US interventionism. Furthermore, the delegation visited a Casa Materna, a maternity and birthing center in Matagalpa, which exemplified Nicaragua’s focus on maternal healthcare. These centers have been instrumental in reducing maternal mortality rates by a staggering 80% since 2007, showcasing the government’s prioritization of vulnerable populations. This dedication to public health stood in stark contrast to the US healthcare system, which the veterans criticized for its increasing inaccessibility and inequity.
Nicaragua’s progress in social development has occurred despite facing significant economic challenges, primarily due to US sanctions. The delegation observed how Nicaragua’s focus on “food sovereignty,” with 90% of its food produced domestically, has mitigated the impact of these sanctions. They also noted the country’s impressive strides in sustainable energy, with over 70% of its energy needs met by renewable sources. This commitment to self-sufficiency and environmental sustainability impressed the veterans, who recognized the potential for such policies to address pressing global challenges. The delegation viewed Nicaragua’s resilience as a testament to its people’s determination and the government’s commitment to its social programs.
The historical context of US intervention in Nicaragua formed a significant backdrop to the VFP delegation’s visit. The veterans visited the home of Augusto Cesar Sandino, a national hero who led the resistance against US Marine occupation in the 1920s. Sandino’s legacy continues to inspire the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN), the ruling party that spearheaded the 1979 revolution against the US-backed Somoza dictatorship and subsequently fought the US-backed Contras in the 1980s. The delegation also investigated the 2018 unrest, which Western media often portrayed as a government crackdown on peaceful protesters. However, based on their conversations with Masaya residents, the veterans concluded that the events were a more complex manifestation of hybrid warfare, involving violent actors and foreign interference aimed at destabilizing the Sandinista government.
The VFP delegation was particularly struck by Nicaragua’s commitment to gender equality, enshrined in its constitution. The delegation noted the mandated equal representation of women in political office, including the co-presidency model with both a male and female leader. Nicaragua’s ranking as first in gender equality in the Americas and sixth globally underscored the tangible impact of these policies. The veterans viewed this as another area where the US could learn from Nicaragua’s progressive approach to social justice. They emphasized the interconnectedness of global struggles, suggesting that international solidarity and knowledge sharing could offer potential solutions to domestic challenges.
The Veterans For Peace delegation returned to the US with a renewed sense of purpose, committed to sharing their firsthand observations and challenging the dominant narrative surrounding Nicaragua. They plan to present a comprehensive report of their findings in a webinar co-sponsored with the Nicaragua Solidarity Coalition. The veterans believe that their experiences in Nicaragua offer valuable lessons for the US, particularly in addressing issues such as healthcare access, social inequality, and the importance of prioritizing human needs over political agendas. Their visit serves as a powerful example of citizen diplomacy and the role of veterans in promoting peace and understanding across borders.