Wan tasbaya dukiara Contentious notions of land rights in Miskitu history.

Abstract

Having lived for a short period in the Miskito community of Sandy Bay Sirpi, I became aware of the great importance the people there assigned to “the land.”  When I arrived in 1985, the area had been at war for a period of three years.  Government troops stationed there had had frequent clashes with MISURASATA, the Miskito organization that had taken up arms against Sandinismo. In April 1985, MISURA SAT A and the Nicaraguan government agreed to “cease offensive operations,” allowing Sandy Bay a break from the war and the government to resume services to the community.  This agreement also served to raise hopes that a peaceful resolution to the conflict could be achieved. In addition, Sandinista leaders had announced at the time their willingness to recognize the autonomy rights of the Miskitos and other Costeños, which contributed to an atmosphere of reconciliation.  However, the MISURASATA fighters whom the population called unta uplika nani (the people of the mountains) remained in close quarters and well-armed.  In my effort to understand how the conflict had started and how a solution to the conflict could be reached.