Nicaraguan refugee movements during the Sandinista-Contra era (1978–1990)

1. Chamorro assassination sparks anti-Somoza uprising

   Jan 10, 1978Labels: Pedro Joaqu, Managua, Anti Somoza

   • Washington Post
   • La Prensa

2. Somoza resigns amid mass flight and violence

   Jul 17, 1979Labels: Anastasio Somoza, Nicaragua, Mass exodus

   • LoC Studies
   • Nicaragua 1979 1990

3. Sandinistas enter Managua; new junta takes power

   Jul 19, 1979Labels: Sandinista National, Junta of, Managua

   • Nicaragua 1979 1990
   • Junta

4. UNHCR supports repatriation and early exile patterns

   Jan 1, 1980Labels: UNHCR, returnees, Internally displaced

   • UNHCR Report

5. Contra war intensifies and drives rural displacement

   Jan 1, 1981Labels: Contras, rural Nicaragua, Honduras border

   • Contra War
   • Nicaraguan Revolution

6. Forced Río Coco evacuations trigger Miskito flight

   Jan 1, 1982Labels: Miskito people, R o, Tasba Pri

   • Env o Chronology
   • Navidad Roja

7. Ortega elected; government expands amnesty policy

   Jan 10, 1985Labels: Daniel Ortega, Amnesty law, National Assembly

   • OAS CIDH
   • UPI Inauguration

8. U.S. trade embargo deepens economic pressures

   May 1, 1985Labels: United States, Executive Order, Nicaragua

   • Reagan Library

9. ICJ rules against U.S. over Contra support

   Jun 27, 1986Labels: International Court, Nicaragua v, U S

   • ICJ Summary
   • Case Overview

10. Iran–Contra revelations expose covert arms pipeline

    Nov 3, 1986Labels: Iran Contra, U S, Covert operations

    • Iran Contra

11. Refugee population in Honduras grows and stabilizes

    Dec 31, 1986Labels: Refugee camps, Miskito refugees, Honduras

    • Env o Atlantic
    • UPI Miskitos

12. Esquipulas II peace plan links ceasefires and refugees

    Aug 7, 1987Labels: Esquipulas II, Central American, Refugees

    • UN Peacemaker
    • Env o Steps

13. Sapoá accords start ceasefire and Contra regrouping

    Mar 23, 1988Labels: Sapo accords, Sandinistas, Contras

    • UPI Ceasefire
    • UPI Enclaves

14. 1990 election ends Sandinista rule; demobilization begins

    Feb 25, 1990Labels: Violeta Chamorro, 1990 election, Demobilization

    • 1990 Election
    • Chamorro
    • JoD Docs