Cuba's cause is embraced by all political forces in Namibia

 

Journalist:  How do the Cuban government and people feel about Namibia’s National Assembly unanimously adopting a motion of solidarity with Cuba?

Ambassador:  As Cuban diplomats, we truly feel great pride in being in this country, which constantly shows us its infinite love and gratitude for what Cuba, modestly, contributed to the struggle for the liberation of Namibia.

 

But this action does not surprise us. This is not the first time that Namibian institutions and authorities have demonstrated their deep commitment to the just cause of the Cuban people. This is demonstrated in the position of Namibian delegations at regional and international organizations and events, where their voice has been vitally important in generating support for Cuba from many countries, especially African countries.

 

This action is a tribute by the Namibian parliament to the long history of resistance by the Cuban people during more than 60 years of the ironclad blockade of the most aggressive empire in the history of humanity, against a small island whose most yearning thing is to live in peace.

 

Journalist: What significance does this gesture from Namibia hold for Cuba, especially given the long-standing friendship between the two nations?

 

Ambassador: This gesture by the Namibian parliament confirms the close historical ties that unite our two countries. But, especially coming just days before Cuba’s presentation of a resolution against the US blockade at UNGA, it constitutes a resounding demonstration of the commitment of Namibia’s main decision-making body, which unanimously approved the motion.

 

It also demonstrates that the Cuban cause is embraced by all political forces within Namibia’s sociopolitical sphere. A Namibian high official once stated that the Cuban cause is one of the few issues that achieve unanimous support among all parliamentarians, and that fills us with pride.

 

Journalist: The motion calls on the United States to lift its economic, financial, and commercial blockade against Cuba. Can you share how this blockade continues to affect the daily lives of Cuban citizens?

 

Ambassador: The US blockade not only remains in place, but is also intensifying and expanding into many other areas of the Cuban economy and society. It's not just the impact of one or two acts or the declaration of the blockade against cuba itself; it's a web of acts, presidential decrees, trade actions, and others that make it difficult for many countries and companies to figure out how to avoid these sanctions.

 

The greatest damage is the cumulative effect of more than 60 years of this genocidal action against our people, which makes the consequences for Cubans’ standard of living even more damaging.

 

The total losses from the blockade's actions from March 2024 to February 2025 alone were $7.556 billion, but the cumulative loss over more than 60 years amounts to an astronomical $2.103 trillion. Imagine that amount of money in an economy as small as Cuba’s.

 

This reality has led to Cuba experiencing many hours of blackouts due to a lack of spare parts for the repair of thermoelectric plants and a shortage of fuel. Purchases of fuel are being pursued by the U.S. government, which has sanctioned banks, shipping companies, and oil companies around the world to prevent the arrival of fuels needed for agriculture, electricity generation, transportation, healthcare, solid waste collection, and many other areas.

 

Journalist: The motion also called for Cuba’s removal from the U.S. list of alleged state sponsors of terrorism. How has this designation impacted Cuba diplomatically and economically?

 

Ambassador: Indeed, adding to this genocidal policy of the US government is Cuba’s inclusion on a spurious and unilateral list drawn up by the US government of states that supposedly sponsor terrorism. This has a direct impact on Cuba’s ability to access financial resources.

 

It directly affects European tourism to Cuba, which, as you know, is one of the main sources of financial income.

 

It confirms Cuba’s inability to purchase products on the world market that contain at least 10% US components. This has a direct impact on transportation in general, but also on air transportation for a country that is an island and essential for internal and external access. It also has a devastating effect on health, education, sports, culture, and food production.

 

Journalist: Beyond political support, what areas of cooperation do you envision strengthening between Cuba and Namibia going forward, particularly in health, sport, education, or science?

 

Ambassador: After Namibia’s independence, Cuba continued to collaborate in important sectors for economic and social development by sending professionals in the fields of health, construction, agriculture, education, sports, fishing, and others.

 

The first session of the Namibia-Cuba Intergovernmental Commission recently concluded in Havana. The meeting, held in Havana, is committed to strengthening collaboration in the areas defined by the current administration in its 6th Development Plan as key to improving the quality of life of Namibians.

 

We will focus our main efforts in the coming months and years on this. These are primarily focused on education, health, sports, and science, with a direct impact on the new generations.

 

Journalist: How can international solidarity, such as Namibia’s motion, contribute to global efforts to end the blockade against Cuba?

 

Ambassador: Actions like this help create a climate of international opinion regarding the injustice of the blockade against Cuba. This motion was not only spoken by a government representative; it was also the voice of the Namibian people through representatives from all political parties in the country. It also serves as a catalyst for other parliaments, especially in the region, to join this global campaign against this silent genocide against Cuba.

 

On October 28th and 29th, a Cuban resolution requesting the definitive elimination of the US blockade will be debated and voted on for the 33rd consecutive time at UNGA. Although decisions of the UNGA are not binding on member states, the repeated practice of states opposing the blockade is contributing to the formation of a rule of customary law for this case in question. Furthermore, the presentation in this forum highlights the international isolation to which the U.S. is subjected on the issue, due to its approval by almost all of its members.

 

Journalist: What is your hope for the future of Cuba–U.S. relations, and what role can African nations like Namibia play in promoting dialogue and understanding?

 

Ambassador: Cuba is a nation of peace, as demonstrated by the fact that we have diplomatic relations with almost all the countries in the UN, including the United States, and we aspire to establish relations of respect and equality. Cuba is a sovereign country, and we do not accept pressure from any other country, no matter how powerful.

 

We are neighboring countries, and we have many Cubans living in the United States. Logic dictates that the relationship be one of respect and mutual support to improve the living conditions of the citizens of both countries.

 

The aggressive situation we are experiencing today in our relations comes from only one side: Cuba does not blockade the United States, Cuba does not threaten the United States, Cuba does not hinder the economic development of the United States, and it does not take actions to suffocate its citizens.

 

Therefore, the main steps for these relations to be mutually beneficial must be taken by the United States without conditions.

 

Africa has played an important role in making the United States understand the importance of both countries having a respectful relationship. At African Union summits in recent years, a resolution has been passed against the US blockade of Cuba, highlighting the need for civilized relations between the two countries, and the Namibian delegation has been instrumental in this.