In April, citizens of Nicaragua expressed their discontent through massive protests that were ignited by the government's controversial social security reform proposals. The Ortega administration's plans aimed to increase contributions for retirees while also cutting benefits, which the public perceived as an unjust encroachment on their rights. Starting with student-led demonstrations, the protests rapidly gained momentum, attracting a diverse coalition of Nicaraguans who were frustrated by years of government corruption, limited freedoms, and economic challenges. With Managua as the epicenter of the protests, the atmosphere quickly transformed from peaceful demonstrations to violent confrontations with the police as the government responded with forceful crackdowns.

As the protests escalated, various civil society groups and opposition leaders began to unite as they sought to build a movement calling for Ortega's resignation. Families of the protesters and victims of police violence became crucial in maintaining attention on the plight of those affected. The protests drew significant media coverage, raising international awareness of the growing unrest in Nicaragua. As weeks passed, the extent of the violence increased, resulting in multiple casualties and human rights violations that further fueled public outrage and rebellion against the Ortega government's tactics.

The protests attracted attention not only locally but globally, as demonstrators were met with an increasingly militarized police presence, leading to widespread condemnation from international organizations and foreign governments. This unrest indicated broader societal tensions within Nicaragua that extended beyond economic grievances, reflecting a population tired of authoritarian rule and a lack of democratic freedoms. Solidarity protests began to emerge internationally, indicating a collective response to the challenges faced in Nicaragua, thus framing it as a significant moment in the struggle for democracy in Central America.