BTN News: The Frente Sandinista de Liberación Nacional (FSLN) commemorated the 45th anniversary of the revolution that toppled Anastasio Somoza Debayle’s dictatorship in Nicaragua. The event, held on Friday, attracted high-profile international representatives from countries like Cuba, Belarus, Venezuela, and Russia.
The anniversary celebration, held in Plaza de La Fe near Lake Managua, featured notable attendees such as Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yván Gil, Belarusian Prime Minister Román Golóvchenko, and Viacheslav Volodin, the President of the Russian State Duma. Other distinguished guests included Cuban Vice Prime Minister Ramiro Valdés Menéndez and veteran Palestinian activist Leila Khaled, known for her involvement in plane hijackings between 1969 and 1970.
Key Figures at the Celebration
During the central event, Nicaraguan Vice President Rosario Murillo, wife of President Daniel Ortega, delivered a passionate speech. She rallied the crowd with powerful slogans, including “¡No pudieron, ni podrán!” (“They couldn’t, and they won’t!”), asserting the resilience of the Sandinista movement. The celebration underscored Murillo’s recurring message of defiance against opposition forces, particularly after the 2018 protests sparked by controversial social security reforms.
Murillo’s speech was a call to unity and continued struggle, emphasizing that “Sandino lives, and the fight continues.” She assured the attendees that Nicaragua remains free and would never revert to past oppression. Murillo also highlighted the solidarity and fraternity among the 700 delegations from various countries, including Angola, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Russia, Ghana, Honduras, Iran, Kuwait, South Ossetia, Palestine, China, South Africa, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe.
International Solidarity and Support
The event saw significant international solidarity, with speeches from foreign dignitaries reaffirming their support for Nicaragua. Cuban Vice Prime Minister Ramiro Valdés Menéndez condemned the unilateral sanctions imposed on Nicaragua by the United States and other countries, criticizing the distorted portrayal of Nicaragua’s reality.
Similarly, Viacheslav Volodin, the President of the Russian State Duma, emphasized the historic ties between Russia and Sandinista Nicaragua, reiterating Russia’s unwavering support for Ortega’s government. Belarusian Prime Minister Román Golóvchenko echoed these sentiments, highlighting the shared values of freedom and victory that unite Belarus and Nicaragua despite their geographical separation.
A Historic National Holiday
July 19th has been a national holiday in Nicaragua since 1980, commemorating the Sandinista revolution’s victory over Somoza’s dictatorship. The first Sandinista government, which ruled from 1979 to 1990, established this day to honor the armed overthrow of Somoza.
Murillo, acting as the master of ceremonies, expressed that the celebrations symbolized the enduring spirit of freedom and resistance among Nicaraguans. She paid tribute to the numerous heroes and martyrs whose sacrifices have paved the way for Nicaragua’s future, proclaiming, “We are free, and we will never be slaves again.”
A Message of Hope and Unity
Murillo’s address conveyed a strong message of hope and unity, emphasizing that the Nicaraguan people, united in their struggle, are a beacon of hope and faith. She stated, “Together, united, we are hope and faith, moving forward with the sacred blood of many heroes and martyrs guiding our steps into the future.”
The Sandinista celebration, attended by various international representatives, showcased the broad support and solidarity Nicaragua enjoys on the global stage. It was a day of reflection on past victories and a reaffirmation of the ongoing struggle for justice, peace, and prosperity in Nicaragua.
In conclusion, the 45th anniversary of the Sandinista revolution was not only a national celebration but also a demonstration of international solidarity. With representatives from across the globe standing in support, Nicaragua’s leadership reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of freedom and resistance, looking towards a future guided by the sacrifices of its heroes and the unity of its people.
