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Optimism traverses challenging circumstances

Despite harsh political suppression and legal limitations in Nicaragua, the bond between the Protestant Church Council of Wuppertal and CEPAD endures.

Ray of optimism amidst hardships
Ray of optimism amidst hardships

Optimism traverses challenging circumstances

In the heart of Central America, the political situation in Nicaragua continues to pose significant challenges for international partners, NGOs, church groups, and independent media. The country's authoritarian leanings, as demonstrated by the new law restricting the work of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), have led to the closure of hundreds of organisations and the blocking of foreign aid.

One organisation that has been affected by these changes is the Evangelical Church Council CEPAD in Nicaragua. Since the protests against President Daniel Ortega in 2018, the political climate in the country has deteriorated significantly, impacting CEPAD's operations. However, recent developments suggest that hope is possible through patience, perseverance, and partnership trust.

The Church Circle of Wuppertal, a German-based organisation, has been cooperating with CEPAD since the 1980s, providing financial support for agricultural and educational projects under difficult conditions. In July 2022, the Church Circle transferred 3,000 euros for the conduct of theological and pastoral training on site.

Despite the ongoing challenges, CEPAD has been given permission to use its buildings in Matagalpa for assemblies after months of closure. This small step forward indicates a glimmer of hope for the organisation's future.

However, the future prospects for CEPAD are uncertain, largely dependent on shifts in the political landscape. Given the restrictive environment, full restoration of CEPAD's role is unlikely in the short term without political liberalization. Continued international support and cautious local engagement may help maintain some presence, but comprehensive reopening faces substantial obstacles.

CEPAD continues to support around 1,550 people in 420 families and 395 households in the project regions of Aguas Frías, La Laguna Seca, El Lizarco, Jucuapa Abajo, El Cacao Sur, and Jamaica y La Esperanza. The organisation is attempting to reorganise as an evangelical development organisation under the new conditions.

In early 2025, Amos Trust's Director Chris Rose visited Nicaragua to meet the former CEPAD team, signalling ongoing engagement but affirming that CEPAD remains under significant constraints due to the authoritarian political environment. There is no indication that CEPAD has fully reopened or resumed its prior independent operations; instead, the organisation appears to be navigating a challenging context with limited activity, reflecting the broader suppression of civil society under Nicaragua's current authoritarian rule.

As the situation in Nicaragua continues to evolve, the international community remains hopeful for a brighter future for organisations like CEPAD, which have made a significant impact in the lives of many Nicaraguans.

  1. The ongoing political situation in Nicaragua, marked by authoritarian leanings, has impacted the work of organizations like CEPAD, with new laws restricting NGOs and the closure of numerous organizations.
  2. Despite the ongoing challenges, international partners, such as the Church Circle of Wuppertal, continue to provide financial support to organizations like CEPAD, offering a beacon of hope amidst the strife.

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