Russia enters the Central American parliament in a dangerous geopolitical game with China
Russia joined the Central American parliament as a permanent observer this week. Its inclusion is a present danger and a future threat to peace, democracy and security not only in Central America but also in the United States.
Since returning from Daniel Ortega When it came to power in 2007, Nicaragua was Russia’s gateway to the region. The Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), the Central American Armed Forces Conference (CFAC) and the Central American Integration System (SICA) were in the geopolitical crosshairs of the Eurasian bear.
Russia in CABEI. In 2015, the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) signed a trade financing agreement with Interkommerz Bank of Russia under the argument of stimulating international trade operations between this country and the region.
This agreement, under the International Trade Facilitation Initiative, provided banco Interkommerz with a credit guarantee to support the export and import of goods and services between Central America and Russia..
The fight against drugs. Since 2012, Nicaragua has been coordinating regional anti-drug courses for police officers from across Central America, with the participation of specialists from extra-regional powers.
Nicaragua also established a Russian espionage center that was sanctioned by the US Treasury in 2024. The so-called CCR is a subdivision of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation with the aim of suppressing civil society and crushing civil liberties.
Armies of Central America. Since 2005, Russia has been a permanent observer before the Central American Armed Forces Conference (CFAC). The regional body includes the heads of the armies of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. Panama and Costa Rica are not part of this regional entity.
Complete failure in SICA. As of 2018, Russia has been trying to join the Central American Integration System, but they have failed. Although they initially agreed on their entry, it was never officially approved, and after the invasion of Ukraine, their presence is considered a dangerous threat.
In April 2023, Daniel Ortega invited the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, to celebrate his entry into SICA, but 48 hours earlier, Guatemala and Costa Rica slammed the door on Putin’s emissary. Russia could not join the Central American bloc as a permanent observer.
Russia’s entry into the Central American parliament is serious. Extra-regional powers have managed to establish alliances with many Central American politicians and governments in a region with strong men and weak institutions.
In a little over a year, China and Russia entered the Central American parliament hand in hand with the tyranny of Nicaragua. Three countries enemies of freedom, democracy and human rights.
Today, more than ever, Central America is in danger of becoming a chess piece in the geopolitics of extra-regional powers. In the context of wars and rumors of wars, alliances with Russia and China threaten regional peace and stability.
The United States is urged to strengthen its leadership position in Central America and not underestimate the presence of extra-regional powers in its backyard. Prosperity, security and democracy remain our shared values. Their advocacy and support is essential.
*The author is a journalist in exile, a former ambassador to the OAS and a former member of the Norwegian Peace Corps.