Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Puerto Cabezas (Agenzia Fides) - Violence continues in the area of Waspam (Nicaragua), near the border with Honduras: On Friday evening, September 11, there was a new armed confrontation between indigenous and settlers that caused numerous injuries and many families began to flee. The note sent to Fides highlights the toll of the conflict over land between settlers and indigenous (Miskitos and others) which has reached 9 deaths (7 indigenous and 2 settlers) and many seriously injured.
His Exc. Mgr. David Zywiec, Auxiliary Bishop of the Vicariate of Bluefields, speaking with the press, called for the establishment of a "Truth Commission, to find those responsible and seek justice".
Mgr. Zywiec made direct reference to the cause of the problem, which only now is made known: the sale of land to settlers by some indigenous, without documents and boundaries of the land, which often took place behind threats. This caused the indignation of several indigenous groups and the fury of the settlers who were already working in the area.
Faced with this situation, reports the note, indigenous leaders complained about the position of army and police "observers". A local source of Fides reports that the police did not intervene.
"Indigenous and mestizos have the right to live a dignified and peaceful life - said Mgr. David Zywiec -. Selling or collaborating in the sale of indigenous lands is illegal. Now - reports the Bishop – there is another serious problem: the displacement of entire families who, for fear of armed groups, are taking refuge in Waspam and Puerto Cabezas". According to the local press, more than 188 families with 530 children have already reached Puerto Cabezas. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 14/09/2015)
