NICARAGUAN campaigners in Britain called today for a peaceful solution to public unrest, warning that the right-wing opposition was exploiting clashes to pursue its own agenda.

Over recent months, the country has seen widespread demonstrations both in support of and against the elected Sandinista government, leading to the death of over 60 people and the injury of hundreds.

What initially started as a protest against a new social security law at a university in Managua has spread to other cities.

The Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign Action Group (NSCAG) has voiced concerns that right-wing forces, both inside and outside the country, will use the protests to push for regime change.

Louise Richards from NSCAG told the Star they want the peace initiative to be given a chance and for dialogue to succeed.

"The right-wing opposition has said it doesn’t want dialogue but regime change, so their agenda is clear," she said.

NSCAG have also spoken out to oppose any foreign intervention in the internal affairs of Nicaragua as “a violation of international law.”

Ms Richards said they are "very concerned" about the possibility of US intervention.

"Nicaragua has recently seen advances in health, education and housing, and has been transformed. At the moment, we feel that the country is being forced to its knees," she added.

The group has called for an immediate end of violence, the lifting of road blocks and restoration of peace, security and stability in the country.

Daniel Ortega won the presidential election with 72 per cent of the popular vote in November 2016, giving the government its second term.

Trade unions called the victory a triumph for workers everywhere who are “fighting for a better world.”