Nicaragua is quitting the Central American Parliament. Here is what the body is, and why Managua is walking out.

The parliament, known as Parlacen, was set up by a 1987 treaty. Six countries are members. It is a talking shop for regional integration, with limited real power.

Nicaragua’s foreign ministry said it will denounce the treaty “in the full exercise of its sovereignty”. The exit takes immediate effect.

The trigger was a resolution from the Organization of American States on October 2. The OAS told Nicaragua to free political prisoners and restore civil liberties.

Managua has been shedding international bodies for years. It left the OAS in 2023, calling it a US tool. In 2025, it moved to quit the UN Human Rights Council.

The backdrop is the 2018 crackdown. Police crushed protests, killing over 350 people. Thousands were jailed or fled. Daniel Ortega has ruled since 2007.

Each exit deepens Nicaragua’s isolation. Critics say the government is removing every forum that could hold it to account.

For Parlacen, the loss is symbolic. For Nicaragua, it is another door closing.