Cuba faces diplomatic crisis with Dominican Republic on Castro centenary

Cuba is experiencing one of its most delicate diplomatic episodes with the Dominican Republic in years, coinciding with the centenary of Fidel Castro's birth. The Dominican government confirmed it had requested the withdrawal of nine members of the Cuban diplomatic mission and their families, giving them seven days to leave the country.

The Ministry of Foreign Relations in Santo Domingo did not identify the officials or publicly state the reasons for the decision, emphasizing that the matter would be handled discreetly and in accordance with international law. However, Havana responded forcefully, rejecting the measure in the strongest terms and asserting that no justification exists. The Cuban Foreign Ministry stated its representatives acted with respect for Dominican laws and the Vienna Convention.

Cuba went further, attributing the Dominican decision to U.S. pressure and labeling it an act of subordination to Washington's policy toward the island. This accusation comes as Cuba was commemorating the leader who frequently made challenging the United States a cornerstone of his political discourse. The irony is sharp: while celebrating Castro's legacy of defiance against the U.S., the Cuban government pointed to Washington as the instigator of a diplomatic conflict just under 200 kilometers from its shores.

The centenary also served to recall a less solemn side of Fidel Castro, the man behind the iconic green uniform and lengthy speeches. Known for his wit, pride, and particular brand of irony, Castro's famous 1960 UN address, where he promised brevity but spoke for hours, became an anecdote. His fondness for dairy products, particularly ice cream, was even recounted by his friend Gabriel García Márquez, highlighting his extraordinary appetite for the dessert.