Cross-country canal project divides nation politically

Plans for the construction of an ocean-to-ocean canal across Nicaragua have led to a bitter political conflict, ahead of presidential elections in November, writes Martha Pskowski.

President Daniel Ortega of the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) is running for a third consecutive term, after a 2014 National Assembly vote that eliminates term limits in the Central American nation. Ortega has promoted the building of the canal across the country, linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and financed by Chinese capital.  The scheme will be longer and wider than the Panama Canal. Catholic bishops have been among the critical voices against the canal and they have also called for open elections in November.

The auxiliary bishop of the capital, Managua, Mgr Silvio José Báez Ortega, has criticised the project, using Pope Francis’ Laudato si’ encyclical. He said the project, “has been carried out in a manner completely contrary to what the Pope proposes for how mega-projects should be executed”.

Rural communities in the canal’s path have also protested against the plan because of its environmental impact, while there are further doubts over whether the Chinese investors will be able to deliver on financial commitments. It is estimated the scheme will cost over £32 billion. Nonetheless, Mr Ortega has said the canal is vital to Nicaragua’s economic development.