Namibian Council Donates to Cuba as US Sanctions Block Investment

Forty-two members of Namibia's National Council collectively donated N$27 609 to the Namibia-Cuba Solidarity Campaign.

Council chairperson Lukas Muha stated Namibia must stand with Cuba due to its historical contribution to Namibia's liberation struggle and continued support in health and education. Muha attributed Cuba's current difficulties partly to the economic embargo by the United States. It is spearheaded by the Namibia-Cuba Friendship Association and the Sam Nujoma Foundation. Cuba states that US sanctions are blocking its efforts to open its economy to private investment.

The Trump administration intensified its economic pressure on Cuba on Thursday, imposing sanctions on nine state-owned companies and three officials. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed the "Cuban regime has long sponsored a vast subversive network in the United States." The new sanctions target entities including the Cuban Ministry of Construction and the mining group GEOMINSAL.

Three leaders of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) were also sanctioned, including its president Fernando González Llort. Rubio stated the sanctions make clear that the Trump administration will not tolerate the Cuban regime’s efforts to fund its repression.