The African National Congress (ANC) rejects in the strongest possible terms the continuing aggressive behavior of the United States of America (USA) against Cuba. The continuing unilateral, illegal and criminal economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed on the island, for more than 60 years, is made especially worse during the COVID-19 pandemic. While Cuba and its people have continued to show great resilience under difficult circumstances, ongoing coercive measures have made it more difficult and costly to access important medicines, supplies, and necessary equipment to fight the health effects of COVID-19 and to tackle its socio- economic effects. This is entirely unjustifiable and must be brought to an end forthwith.
It is evident that the objective of the imperialist’s is to impose regime change in Cuba by strangling the Cuban economy, and causing severe damage to the population. With this kind of conduct imperialism shows their disdain for international law, and human rights in general.
The blockade against Cuba is a clear violation of the Charter of the United Nations, international law and the rules of free trade. It constitutes a direct attack on the sovereignty of Cuba, and its legitimate right to decide its own political and economic system.
The USA blockade, and the manner in which it was strengthened by the previous Trump Administration, is aimed at crushing an entire nation that has set an example to the world about what can be done with regards to international solidarity.
However, we are confident that the intimidatory and bullying policy against Cuba is destined to fail. While the financial blockages imposed by previous Imperialist Administrations have always been entirely unacceptable, the refusal to reverse additional coercive measures imposed by the Trump Administration during a pandemic is both obnoxious and unacceptable. No-one who believes in the sovereignty of all countries, and their inalienable right to self-determination can leave this kind of behavior unchallenged.
The ANC fully supports and welcomes the firm position against the unilateral blockade imposed against Cuba adopted by the international community, including the United Nations, the African Union, the Arab League, the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation, the Caribbean Commnity, the Movement of Non Aligned Countries, the Group of 77 plus China, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, among others.
On the 23rd June 2021, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) will once again debate the ongoing sanctions and blockade of Cuba. Once again a resolution will be adopted by an overwhelming majority of nations, condemning these criminal actions by the USA.
A direct and unequivocal challenge must be directed at the Biden Administration, who promised that it will be a caring and progressive government compared to the years of racism and imperialist chauvanism of Donald Trump. It is both regrettable and revealing that under the current Biden administration, the more than 240 coercive measures applied by the Trump Administration remain firmly in place, casting doubt on the Administration’s commitment to the pursuit of a progressive international relations policy.
The litmus test about whether his Administration will truly usher in progressive change and move away from the USA’s usual imperialist posturing and bullying, will be whether they lift the blockade and proceed with normalising relations with Cuba. The upcoming UN General Assembly debate and resolution will provide President Biden with a unique opportunity. As the African National Congress we will watch closely whether he will finally choose to do the right thing.
The ANC resolutely reiterates our solidarity with Cuba, and we add our voice in line with our 54th National Conference Resolution, demanding an immediate end to the blockade and the wanton aggression against Cuba.