Ortega Hands Army to Wife, Cementing Power Duo in Nicaragua

Nicaragua’s government announced on March 25, 2025, that President Daniel Ortega appointed his wife, Rosario Murillo, as Supreme Commander of the Nicaraguan Army.

This move, enacted through an urgent military law reform, grants her equal authority over the armed forces. The couple now controls all state powers in this Central American nation of 6.7 million.

Ortega, a 79-year-old former Sandinista guerrilla, and Murillo, 73, already share the title of co-presidents after a February 2025 constitutional change. The latest reform allows them to deploy the military, organize defense, and appoint top commanders without oversight.

Critics see this as a step toward a family dynasty, reminiscent of the Somoza regime, which ruled for 47 years until 1979. Murillo’s rise reflects decades of influence. She joined Ortega during the 1970s revolution, later managing his administration’s daily operations.

Her authority expanded in 2018 when she ordered a violent crackdown on protests, leaving over 360 dead, mostly youths, according to UN and IACHR reports. Now, she oversees ministries, municipalities, and the military, consolidating power as Ortega’s likely successor.

Nicaragua’s Power Shift

The Nicaraguan Army, loyal to Ortega since his revolutionary days, gains new powers under this reform. It can now support the National Police, a force human rights groups call the regime’s repressive arm.

General Julio César Avilés, the army chief, faces U.S. sanctions for enabling 2018 violence, yet his term extends to 2031. Economically, Nicaragua struggles with a GDP per capita of $2,000, driving nearly 800,000 citizens into exile since 2018.

The regime faces global isolation, with sanctions from the U.S., Canada, and the EU targeting its leaders. Argentina issued arrest warrants for Ortega and Murillo in 2024 for crimes against humanity.

Observers note the couple’s control leaves no room for dissent. They dominate the legislature, judiciary, and electoral system, ensuring unchallenged rule. Business leaders watch closely, as this centralization could deepen economic woes and migration, impacting regional stability.

This story reveals a calculated power grab. A once-revolutionary duo now mirrors the authoritarian past they fought, raising questions about Nicaragua’s future under their unyielding command.