“We do not consent! The indigenous struggle against the grand canal of Nicaragua”, 15 Jul 2016

The Southern Autonomous Region of Nicaragua is home to 9 indigenous and afro-descendant communities represented by the Rama-Kriol Territorial Government. On May 3, 2016 Rama-Kriol Territorial President Hector Thomas signed an agreement with the Nicaraguan Canal Development Commission giving consent for the indefinite lease of 173km of communal land to develop the canal. Communal representatives have denounced this action, claiming they have not been consulted and have not seen the terms of the agreement, which would remove several communities from their ancestral land…Over the past month, community members have given documented testimony and are organizing a formal legal appeal against this illegal land concession...