Nicaragua recalls ambassadors to 4 countries in tit-for-tat move | Al Jazeera

Nicaragua has recalled its ambassadors to Mexico, Argentina, Colombia and Costa Rica for “consultations”, the Nicaraguan government said on Monday.
The recall comes in response to similar moves by the four countries against Nicaragua, the government of President Daniel Ortega said in a statement broadcast by state media.

Mexico, Argentina and Colombia recently recalled their ambassadors over a widening crackdown by Ortega’s government against opposition figures and presidential hopefuls, while Costa Rica a few weeks ago suspended the appointment of its ambassador to the country.

Dozens of opposition leaders and presidential contenders have been arrested since early June in Nicaragua as the government rounded up individuals it accused of planning a coup against Ortega.

Rights groups and international observers have accused the 75-year-old Sandinista leader of increasing authoritarianism, saying the wave of arrests aims to clear the way for Ortega’s bid to secure a fourth consecutive term as president in November 7 elections.