OTTAWA — It’s been making strides in recent years especially as a boutique wellness destination but it’s one step forward, two steps back for Nicaragua, now mired in a fresh bout of civil unrest.

The Canadian government is reminding Canadian travellers to avoid all non-essential travel to Nicaragua, in light of protests that have been on an upswing since April 2018.

The federal government’s travel advisory, posted at https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/nicaragua, says protests have led to violent clashes and caused a significant number of casualties. “Managua, Masaya, Leon and surrounding areas are particularly affected. Protest locations and schedules cannot be foreseen.”

Since May 11 protests have been more frequent and rotating roadblocks have been obstructing main highways and transit points across the country, causing many traffic disruptions.

Just this week more than a dozen people died in protest shootings in Nicaragua.

Canadians travelling to Nicaragua are being told to avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, and to avoid areas near university campuses.

“Be extremely cautious if you find yourself unexpectedly in a protest. Do not attempt to drive through any large groups or barricades encountered on the street. Restrict your movements if protests are taking place in the area where you are located. Keep a low profile. Monitor local media for information on ongoing and planned demonstrations, and follow the instructions of local authorities.”