The legacy of Augusto C. Sandino remains alive 90 years after his tragic death

February 21, 1934, was marked as the day when Augusto C. Sandino, the Nicaraguan guerrilla leader who defied the United States army, was betrayed and assassinated in an ambush. This tragic event, which marks its 90th anniversary, put an end to the life of a man whose legacy continues to generate debate in Nicaragua. Sandino had been instrumental in the fight against U.S. intervention in Nicaragua, leading a guerrilla movement supported by peasant communities that achieved significant victories against foreign forces. However, his death at the hands of the National Guard marked a turning point in the history of the Central American country. The official version suggests that Anastasio Somoza, who would later become a dictator ruling Nicaragua for over four decades, planned Sandino's assassination in collusion with members of the National Guard. Somoza even claimed to have received the order from the U.S. ambassador, Arthur Bliss Lane, although some experts doubt this version. Sandino's figure has become a symbol of resistance and national sovereignty for many Nicaraguans, while for others, he is a controversial figure with differing opinions on his legacy and political intentions. Despite this, his fight against foreign intervention and his vision for agrarian reform have left an indelible mark on Nicaraguan history. Sandino's influence is not limited solely to his homeland but has also had repercussions in Latin America, where his anti-imperialist and nationalist movement has inspired other solidarity movements in the region. Despite differences in the interpretation of his legacy, it is undeniable that Sandino has left a profound mark on the political history of Nicaragua and beyond.