Friday, 17 January 2025.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) welcomes the United States President Joe Biden’s intention to remove Cuba from the unjust designation as a “state sponsor of terrorism.” This long-overdue decision reflects the undeniable truth that the sanctions imposed on Cuba have always been a politically motivated attack on a sovereign nation whose only crime is its commitment to socialist principles and selfdetermination.

The EFF has consistently called for the lifting of all sanctions on Cuba, which have crippled its economy and undermined its development for decades. Since the presidency of Ronald Reagan, the United States has relentlessly pursued an economic embargo and sanctions against Cuba, with the goal of destabilising its communist government. These sanctions, now spanning over half a century, represent one of the most egregious examples of economic warfare in modern history.

The further designation of Cuba as a “state sponsor of terrorism” by the Trump administration was a cynical and baseless move that further tightened the stranglehold on the Cuban people. These sanctions have devastated Cuba’s economy, cutting off access to vital resources and revenue, exacerbating rolling blackouts, water shortages, and mass emigration, and blocking access to essential goods such as medication. Even where exemptions technically exist, international companies and banks avoid engaging with Cuba out of fear of repercussions, effectively isolating the nation from the global economy.

As the EFF, we can never forget how Cuba played a pivotal role in Africa’s liberation struggles, driven by its commitment to justice and solidarity with oppressed peoples. Beginning in the early 1960s, Cuba provided military supplies, instructors, and medical assistance to Algeria’s National Liberation Front during its fight for independence from France and subsequent conflicts. Despite its limited resources, Cuba demonstrated a profound sense of global responsibility, recognising the urgent needs of those battling colonial oppression.

Che Guevara’s 1964 mission to Africa further embodied Cuba’s dedication to anticolonial movements, as Cuban support extended to liberation efforts in Guinea Bissau, Cape Verde, and the Congo. These actions were not dictated by Cold War politics but by a deep understanding of shared struggles against imperialism. Furthermore the Cuban intervention in Angola exemplifies this commitment to African liberation, weakening colonial and white supremacist forces in Southern Africa, particularly in Namibia and in South Africa to a certain extent.

Cuba has, therefore, never been an aggressor nation, nor has it sought to export war or conflict. On the contrary, Cuba has demonstrated an commitment to global solidarity, sending medical professionals to assist nations in crisis, and playing a vital role in combating the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide, despite limited resources. This humanitarian commitment starkly contrasts with the narrative perpetuated by the United States to justify its punitive measures.

The EFF reiterates its solidarity with the people of Cuba, who have endured decades of unnecessary suffering due to the imperialist policies of the United States. We emphasise that Cuba’s struggle is not merely its own but represents the broader fight for global justice and the right of nations to choose their political and economic systems without coercion. The EFF stands firm in its belief that the Cuban people deserve justice, economic freedom, and the unimpeded ability to chart their future without interference.

ISSUED BY THE ECONOMIC FREEDOM FIGHTERS

Leigh-Ann Mathys (National Spokesperson) 082 304 7572

Thato Lebyane (Media Enquiries) 078 304 7572