The Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Miriam Morales Palmero, has commended Nigeria and the African Union for their sustained opposition to the decades-long United States economic blockade against Cuba, describing the sanctions as an unjust regime that has inflicted prolonged hardship on the Cuban people.
Speaking at the Conference of the Solidarity Movement with Cuba in Nigeria, Palmero expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s consistent votes at the United Nations General Assembly in support of resolutions calling for an end to the US embargo.
“Nigeria is one of the countries which has voted at the United Nations General Assembly in favour of the resolution against the economic, commercial and financial blockade,” she said. “We highly value Nigeria’s support.”
She also acknowledged the position of the African Union, citing its recent resolution condemning the US blockade policy and Cuba’s inclusion on Washington’s list of state sponsors of terrorism.
The ambassador characterised the embargo as more than a bilateral disagreement, describing it as a deliberate policy aimed at forcing political concessions through economic pressure.
“For more than six decades, Cuba has faced one of the most prolonged and unjust systems of economic, commercial and financial coercion in contemporary history,” she stated.
Palmero criticised a recent executive order signed by US President Donald Trump, which she said threatens sanctions against countries supplying fuel to Cuba. She described the measure as extraterritorial and inconsistent with international law.
According to her, the sanctions are designed to exacerbate shortages in energy, healthcare, education and transportation, while discouraging international cooperation with Cuba.
“We do not accept threats. We do not accept blackmail. We do not accept interference,” she declared.
Despite economic challenges, Palmero maintained that Cuba has continued to provide assistance to other nations, particularly in the fields of healthcare and education. She highlighted Cuba’s longstanding medical diplomacy, noting that Cuban professionals have served in numerous countries, including Nigeria.
“Cuba represents no threat whatsoever to any country,” she said, adding that the nation’s foreign policy is rooted in solidarity, peace and adherence to international law and the United Nations Charter.
She described it as inconceivable that the world’s largest economic and military power would regard Cuba as a threat.
Beyond condemning the blockade, the ambassador called for a more structured and coordinated Solidarity Movement with Cuba in Nigeria. She urged trade unions, academic institutions, youth groups, community organisations and media platforms to intensify advocacy efforts as sanctions tighten.
“This meeting is not only an expression of political and moral support,” she said. “It is a strategic moment to strengthen the structure of the Solidarity Movement with Cuba in Nigeria.”
Palmero encouraged stakeholders to develop a coordinated action plan to enhance mobilisation, communication and public engagement throughout the year.
Reaffirming Cuba’s commitment to sovereignty and its chosen social model, she insisted that the country would not yield to external pressure.
“We know that the Cuban people are not alone. Cuba will never renounce its independence,” she said.
The conference brought together members of Nigeria’s solidarity movement, trade union representatives, Cuban-trained graduates and advocates of Cuba–Nigeria relations, underscoring longstanding diplomatic ties between the two countries.
