Tension in Cuba against embargo
Introduction
Cuba show a complex situation regarding the U.S. embargo, with both protests against the embargo and internal unrest due to economic conditions:
Mass Protest Against U.S. Embargo
On December 20, 2024, a large-scale protest occurred in Havana:
Approximately 700,000 Cubans gathered in front of the U.S. Embassy
The protest was led by President Miguel Diaz-Canel and former leader Raul Castro
Demonstrators demanded an end to the U.S. trade blockade and Cuba’s removal from the U.S. State Department’s list of state sponsors of terrorism
Key points from the protest
Protesters chanted slogans like “down with the blockade” and “we will never surrender”
President Diaz-Canel called the U.S. sanctions “ruthless” and accused the U.S. of training paramilitary groups to target Cuban infrastructure
The Cuban government blames the U.S. embargo for the country’s economic difficulties
Internal Unrest and Economic Challenges
Despite the government-organized protest against the embargo, Cuba has also experienced internal unrest:
In March 2024, protests broke out in Santiago de Cuba due to food shortages and power outages
The country is facing what’s described as the worst living crisis since the early 1990s
Issues include lack of food and medicine, frequent blackouts, and a wave of emigration
International Response
The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for an end to the U.S. embargo, with 187 countries voting in favor
The U.S. maintains its stance, with its representative stating, “The United States stands with the Cuban people”
Other countries, including Bolivia and Iran, have condemned the embargo as unjust and called for its immediate lifting
Ongoing Tensions
The Cuban government accuses the U.S. of stirring up internal unrest, which the U.S. denies
Cuba has reached out to the World Food Programme for assistance with food shortages
The country is preparing for potential changes in U.S. policy with the upcoming return of Donald Trump to the White House
Conclusion
The situation in Cuba remains tense, with the government mobilizing large-scale support against the embargo while also facing internal challenges and dissent.
