A representative contingent from the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) of Cuba attended a military parade in Nicaragua last week, one of the Cuban government's regional allies.
The military parade, named "Pueblo-Ejército," was led by dictator Daniel Ortega Saavedra and Nicaraguan Vice President and Ortega's wife, Rosario Murillo Zambrana, commemorating the 45th Anniversary of the founding of the Nicaraguan Army.
Alongside the Cuban participants, representatives from the armed forces of the People's Republic of China, Honduras, Mexico, the Russian Federation, and Venezuela were present, as well as various regiments from Nicaragua's land, naval, and air military units.
Notably, the countries involved in the event are part of Presidential Decree 14/2023, through which President Daniel Ortega authorized the entry of troops, ships, and aircraft from the armed forces of Russia, Mexico, Cuba, Venezuela, the United States, and several Central American countries starting January 1, 2024.
This entry of foreign military personnel, categorized by number, was established by the Nicaraguan government for mutual exchange and humanitarian assistance in emergency situations, according to official information.
Ortega, a staunch ally of the Cuban dictatorship, authorized the rotational entry of 50 FAR personnel into Nicaraguan territory for "exchanges and humanitarian activities with members of the Nicaraguan Army."
Simultaneously, he allowed the rotational entry of 50 Nicaraguan Army members into Cuba under the same conditions established in the exchange.
Cuba and Nicaragua maintain a high-level diplomatic relationship. Along with Russia and Venezuela, these countries represent a "threat to security and stability in the Western Hemisphere," according to the Peruvian platform Expediente Público.
Key Insights on Cuban and Nicaraguan Military Relations
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions regarding the military relations between Cuba and Nicaragua.
What was the purpose of the military parade in Nicaragua?
The military parade named "Pueblo-Ejército" commemorated the 45th Anniversary of the founding of the Nicaraguan Army and was led by Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo Zambrana.
Why did Cuban military personnel participate in the parade?
Cuban military personnel participated as part of the strong diplomatic and military ties between Cuba and Nicaragua, both of which are regional allies.
What is Presidential Decree 14/2023?
Presidential Decree 14/2023, issued by Daniel Ortega, authorizes the entry of troops, ships, and aircraft from various countries into Nicaragua starting January 1, 2024, for mutual exchange and humanitarian assistance.