GABORONE – Members of the Cuban Medical Mission in Botswana have joined the global initiative “My Signature for the Homeland”, reaffirming solidarity with their nation’s revolutionary ideals.

The Statement was read in Gaborone by the Head of the Cuban Medical Team, Dr Pablo Ricardo Betancourt Álvarez, in the presence of the Cuban Ambassador, Antonio Luis Pubillones Izaguirre, his wife, and 18 other Cuban medical specialists.

Statement: MY SIGNATURE FOR THE HOMELAND

On April 16, the Cuban people once again reaffirmed their unwavering conviction to defend the Homeland, on the very day we celebrated the 65th anniversary of the proclamation of the Socialist character of the Revolution.

In that historic moment, the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Party and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, called for a national and international movement of solidarity and denunciation.

The truth of our people shall not be silenced. The suffering of millions of Cubans, caused by the blockade and the brutal economic war, is nothing less than an act of genocide.

This policy of hatred and the constant threats of military aggression against Cuba stand in stark contrast to the values of millions of men and women who cherish peace, solidarity, and humanism.

Let us be part of a movement that gives voice to our convictions. Let us unite and denounce barbarism. Let our stance be the firmest and most resolute condemnation of every policy that denies life and the rights of the Cuban people.

In support of the Declaration of the Revolutionary Government — Girón is today and forever! — and in response to the call of Cuban civil society organisations,

We shall reaffirm with our signatures the irrenounceable vocation for peace that is the essence of the Cuban nation, forged with the deepest conviction that defending ourselves is not only a right, but, as enshrined in our Constitution, the greatest honour and the supreme duty of every Cuban.

Background on the U.S. Embargo

• Origins: The embargo began in 1960 after Cuba nationalised U.S. properties and offered compensation, which the US refused. It was expanded in 1962 to a full economic embargo under President John F. Kennedy.
• Scope: It restricts trade, financial transactions, and travel between Cuba and the U.S., and has been reinforced by laws such as the Helms-Burton Act (1996), which extended penalties to foreign companies trading with Cuba.
• Impact: The embargo has long been criticised for worsening Cuba’s economic difficulties, limiting access to food, medicine, and technology, and contributing to chronic shortages.

New Developments in 2026

• Executive Order (Jan 29, 2026): President Donald Trump declared a national emergency and authorised tariffs on imports from countries supplying oil to Cuba. This effectively created afuel blockade.
• International Condemnation: UN experts denounced the move as a violation of international law, stressing that coercing third countries to halt lawful trade undermines sovereignty and global trade frameworks.
• Humanitarian Consequences:
  • Blackouts up to 20 hours in many regions.
  • Disruption of electricity generation, hospitals, water systems, and food refrigeration.
  • Severe strain on public health and food security.

Geopolitical Context

• The U.S. accuses Cuba of supporting hostile state actors and transnational terrorist groups, citing ties with Russia, China, Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah.
• Cuba, meanwhile, has sought alternative fuel supplies. For example, a Russian oil tanker delivered 100,000 tonnes of crude oil in March 2026, defying U.S. threats.
• The crisis has drawn in global players: China, Russia, Mexico, Brazil, and Spainhave expressed support for Cuba, while the U.S. pressures allies to comply with sanctions.