Nicaragua Indigenous Groups Endorse Constitutional Reform, Cite Sovereignty

On International Indigenous Peoples Day, Nicaragua's National Assembly highlighted constitutional recognition of indigenous and Afro‑descendant peoples. Chaira Downs, president of the Assembly’s Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Afro‑descendants and Autonomous Regimes, said the constitutional acknowledgment is a historic achievement of the Sandinista Revolution and the current government.

In a consultation held in the Rubén Darío Hall, representatives from 23 indigenous and Afro‑descendant territories, including Mayagna leader Eloy Frank and Caribbean coordination commander Lumberto Campbell, voiced strong support for the proposed constitutional amendments. They emphasized that the reforms strengthen autonomy, protect cultural identity, and contribute to national sovereignty, peace and development.