The red and black Sandinista graffiti scrawled on buildings, street lamps and trees in downtown Jinotega makes it seem like this traditionally conservative coffee town has suddenly had a political change of heart. But behind the facade of leftist propaganda, a right-wing rebellion is brewing.
For several months, a group of former contras identified as the Nicaraguan Democratic Force (FDN) has been quietly conspiring against what they call ``the second dictatorship of Daniel Ortega.''
Group leader Mario Espinoza, who goes by the nom de guerre ``Pajarillo,'' said they are unarmed and that their goals are ``peaceful and democratic'' -- but that all ``depends on the government's attitude.''
Espinoza, who already led a rearmed contra group in the 1990s -- the Frente Norte 3-80 -- claims that the FDN is ready to make its presence felt by facing off against the Sandinistas on Saturday during nationwide protest against President Ortega's government.
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