African Nations Silent as US Sanctions Cripple Cuba, Sparking Humanitarian Crisis

From our vantage point at Premium Times, the international community's response, or rather lack thereof, to the escalating crisis in Cuba is deeply concerning, particularly the silence from African nations. Cuba, a nation with whom many African countries share profound historical bonds forged in the crucible of anti-colonial liberation struggles, now faces what its government terms "economic genocide" at the hands of the United States.

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the US has cut off oil shipments to Cuba as a strategy to squeeze the island country’s economy into submission and overthrow the communist government.

The US, under the Trump administration, has escalated sanctions to a level described by experts as "coercive economic pressure." The impact on the Cuban populace is devastating: prolonged blackouts, shortages of basic necessities, and a medical system teetering on the brink of collapse. Reports indicate that thousands of surgeries are suspended, and essential services are severely disrupted. This is not merely an economic issue; it is a profound humanitarian crisis unfolding before our eyes.

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bully diplomacy

It is perplexing, therefore, that African countries, many of whom benefited from Cuban solidarity during their own independence movements, have remained largely muted. While the reasons for this reluctance may be complex, involving geopolitical considerations and economic dependencies, the historical context demands a more robust response. Cuba provided crucial support to liberation movements across Africa, and a passive stance now, as the US "asphyxiates Havana," appears to be a betrayal of that shared history.

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I expect to have “the honour of taking Cuba.” He bragged about his capacity “to do anything” and predicted that after 67 years of communist rule, the “weakened nation” would collapse under US pressure.

This situation highlights a stark contrast between historical solidarity and contemporary geopolitical realities. While Western media often frames such issues through a lens of democratic ideals versus communist regimes, our perspective from Nigeria emphasizes the principles of sovereignty, non-interference, and reciprocal solidarity. The silence from African nations on the plight of Cuba is a missed opportunity to assert a collective voice on the global stage and to honor a historical ally facing immense pressure. It raises questions about the nature of international relations and whether historical debts of solidarity are easily forgotten in the face of modern political and economic pressures.

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is an infringement on Cuba’s right as a state and a violation of international law.