20,000 march through Managua

On 16 July 2008 approximately 20,000 protesters marched to demonstrate against President Daniel Ortega's economic policies in downtown Managua. The protesters demanded that the government take action to address rising food prices. The march culminated in a rally outside the National Assembly. Several opposition parties and various civil society organizations sponsored the march. National police officials deployed additional troops to the downtown area to maintain order. There were unconfirmed reports of minor skirmishes between supporters of the ruling Sandinista National Liberation Front and opposition protesters.