Humberto Ortega, the retired general of the Sandinista forces and brother of Nicaraguan leader Daniel Ortega, passed away on Monday at the age of 77. Humberto, who was under police surveillance after criticizing his brother's "dictatorial" succession, died of cardiac arrest, according to the Nicaraguan Military Medical Corps.
A statement issued by the Directorate of the Dr. Alejandro Dávila Bolaños Military Hospital of the Nicaraguan Military Medical Corps revealed that Humberto Ortega Saavedra died at 1:55 p.m. after resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.
The former head of the Army and younger brother of President Ortega was hospitalized on July 11 due to a "complex health condition." His health deteriorated recently, leading to cardiogenic shock and altered consciousness, necessitating intensive care to stabilize his blood pressure, as reported by the Military Medical Corps.
A Key Figure in the Sandinista Revolution
Humberto Ortega was a pivotal strategist in the armed uprising against the Anastasio Somoza dictatorship in 1979. He was also the founder of the Sandinista Popular Army, which he led from 1979 to 1995. Despite his significant contributions, Humberto lived under surveillance in his Managua residence after openly criticizing the current regime.
Controversial Remarks and Repercussions
In an interview with Argentine media outlet Infobae, published on May 19, Humberto described the current political situation in Nicaragua as lacking clear successors. He stated that neither his brother Daniel, who is nearing 79 years old, nor his wife Rosario Murillo or any of their children, were fit to take over leadership. He emphasized that an election would be necessary in the event of Daniel's absence or death to prevent a power vacuum.
This interview led to swift repercussions from the regime. Dictator Daniel Ortega and his wife Rosario Murillo labeled Humberto a "traitor to the homeland" shortly after. Authorities also confiscated his cell phones and computers and set up a medical unit at his residence to treat his health issues.