In brief
The tragic death of Roberto Samcam Ruiz, a retired major in the Nicaraguan Army that had escaped danger in his homeland, has intensified fears within the refugee community in Costa Rica. Samcam, known for his vocal opposition to the Sandinista regime, believed he could evade the dangers of his past life through a series of evasive tactics. Nevertheless, on June 19, his fears became a grim reality when assailants assassinated him in his own home, marking yet another chilling case for Nicaraguan exiles.
Since mass protests erupted in Nicaragua in 2018, thousands of Nicaraguans have sought refuge in neighboring countries, particularly Costa Rica. Many, like Samcam, live in fear due to a series of alarming incidents where fellow dissidents have been shot or abducted. Despite being a nation known for its relative stability and security, the growing list of attacks is prompting serious discussions among Nicaraguan refugees who worry that they remain vulnerable to the reach of the Ortega regime even while living abroad. In the wake of these events, calls for increased protection and the need for solidarity among Nicaraguans living in Costa Rica have grown louder, as the community grapples with the reality of their precarious situation far from home.
