The Nigeria Movement of Solidarity with Cuba (NMSC) has expressed condolences to the government and people of Cuba over the killing of 32 Cuban internationalists in Venezuela, while condemning what it described as hostile actions by the United States.
In a statement signed by veteran labour activist and writer, Owei Lakemfa, on behalf of the Nigeria Movement of Solidarity with Cuba, the coalition—comprising labour unions, civil society organisations and intellectuals—alleged that the Cuban nationals were killed during an attack in Caracas on January 3, 2026. The group said the victims were protecting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, his wife, Cilia Flores, and the country’s sovereignty.
According to the NMSC, the Cubans resisted despite being outnumbered, describing their actions as a display of courage, honour and commitment to international solidarity.
The organisation drew parallels with previous historical episodes involving Cuban internationalists, including the 1983 U.S.-led invasion of Grenada and Cuba’s military support for African liberation struggles in Angola, Namibia and South Africa during the anti-apartheid era. It said thousands of Cuban youths lost their lives in Africa while contributing to the dismantling of apartheid systems supported by Western powers.
Beyond armed conflicts, the group highlighted Cuba’s long-standing medical internationalism, noting its healthcare assistance to developing countries, including Nigeria, and its deployment of medical brigades to dozens of nations during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also recalled Cuba’s decision to accept stranded cruise ship passengers when many countries had closed their borders.
The NMSC extended sympathy to the families of those killed in Venezuela and called on the United States to respect international law, end what it termed foreign military interventions, and lift sanctions on Cuba, Venezuela and other countries.
The group reiterated its support for repeated United Nations General Assembly resolutions calling for an end to the decades-long U.S. embargo against Cuba, arguing that global peace and development depend on cooperation rather than conflict.
