Daniel Ortega reappears in Nicaragua looking weakened after more than two months of absence

Daniel Ortega returned to public view in Managua on 9 November after 68 days away, appearing frail at a ceremony honouring Sandinista founder Carlos Fonseca. The Nicaraguan president, who turns 81 this week, spoke only briefly and did not give a speech. His condition and long absence have drawn attention because the government does not disclose information about his health.

The 68-day gap was Ortega’s longest since returning to power in 2007, exceeding his previous 61-day record. He appeared publicly just 11 times in 2026, compared with an average of 26 appearances between January and October in each year from 2018 to 2025, according to Confidencial. During his absence, he missed September’s patriotic ceremonies and made no public comment on diplomatic tensions with the United States or a renewed dispute with Colombia over Caribbean waters.