Managua: Nicaragua has announced its immediate withdrawal from the Central American Parliament, known as PARLACEN, in a move that further changes the country’s relationship with regional political institutions.

The Nicaraguan Foreign Ministry notified PARLACEN that the government had decided to denounce the treaty that established the regional parliamentary body. Managua described the decision as an exercise of national sovereignty and said the withdrawal would take effect immediately.

The treaty establishing PARLACEN was signed in Guatemala in 1987. The organisation was created as a regional forum for political dialogue and Central American integration. Its membership includes several countries from Central America and the wider region.

Nicaragua’s decision comes shortly after the Organization of American States adopted a resolution calling on the Nicaraguan authorities to restore civil liberties and address concerns surrounding political prisoners and electoral conditions.

The timing of the announcement has therefore attracted considerable regional attention. Nicaragua did not provide detailed reasons for leaving PARLACEN beyond referring to sovereignty and national independence.

The development comes amid continuing political changes inside Nicaragua. President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo have maintained control of the country’s political system, while international organisations and governments have raised concerns about political freedoms and the participation of opposition groups.

Nicaragua’s relationship with regional and international organisations has changed significantly in recent years. The country previously withdrew from the Organization of American States, while its government has also taken positions against international criticism concerning domestic political affairs.

PARLACEN’s leadership has said that the consequences of Nicaragua’s decision will need to be examined, including its legal, political and operational implications. The organisation is expected to discuss the matter through its institutional procedures.

The withdrawal could also affect Nicaragua’s participation in regional political discussions. PARLACEN provides a platform where representatives from member countries discuss Central American integration, regional cooperation and political issues.

For neighbouring governments, Nicaragua’s decision comes at a sensitive moment. Regional countries are already dealing with questions involving migration, economic cooperation, security and democratic governance.

The move is also likely to increase international attention on Nicaragua’s foreign-policy direction. Managua has increasingly emphasised national sovereignty in response to criticism from regional and international organisations.

The government has not indicated whether it intends to seek a new form of regional engagement outside PARLACEN. The immediate focus will instead be on the practical and diplomatic consequences of the withdrawal.

The development represents another significant change in Nicaragua’s relationship with regional institutions. As PARLACEN considers the implications of Managua’s announcement, neighbouring governments and international organisations will continue to monitor the country’s political and diplomatic direction.