Cuban Journalist and Historian Luis Conte Agüero Passes Away at 101

Renowned Cuban journalist, writer, and historian Luis Conte Agüero has died in Miami at the age of 101, just six days after marking his birthday, as reported by multiple media outlets on Tuesday. Fellow Cuban journalist Wilfredo Cancio Isla described him as an "indispensable political figure in republican history, a journalist of significant moments, and an emblematic figure in the Cuban exile's battles against Fidel Castro's regime." Cancio Isla noted that Conte Agüero passed away on July 12 at his Miami home following a prolonged decline in health.

Radio Martí highlighted that his passing marks the end of a life deeply committed to political activism, anti-Castro efforts, and the defense of Cuban democracy from exile. Born in Santiago de Cuba on July 6, 1924, Conte Agüero had a passion for words from an early age. A talented storyteller, singer, and improviser, he began his career in Santiago's radio scene and gained national fame with his program "Habla Luis Conte Agüero," broadcast from Havana in the 1950s.

A Political and Media Pioneer

A member of the Orthodox Party, Conte Agüero was initially a staunch supporter of Fidel Castro, promoting him as a congressional candidate in 1952. Their relationship was so close that Castro authorized him to speak on his behalf during Castro's imprisonment on Isla de Pinos after the Moncada Barracks attack. In 1954, Castro even wrote, "The perfect man does not exist; if he did, he would be Luis Conte Agüero."

However, the revolutionary victory in 1959 abruptly severed their ties. Conte Agüero was quick to denounce the communist infiltration in the new government and openly criticized the Soviet Union's influence and propaganda in Havana. On March 25, 1960, during a historic broadcast on Radio Progreso, he read an open letter to Castro, publicly breaking with his regime.

Exile and Legacy

That night, a mob surrounded him, demanding his execution. He escaped unharmed and sought refuge in the Argentine embassy, eventually going into permanent exile. From Miami, Luis Conte Agüero emerged as a leading voice in the Cuban exile community, founding organizations, participating in international rallies, and authoring over 40 books on Cuban politics, history, and culture. He engaged with figures such as President John F. Kennedy and anti-communist leaders across the Americas and Europe.

His personal archive, containing 179 boxes of documents, was donated to the Cuban Heritage Collection at the University of Miami, serving as a legacy for future generations. "I have lived and made the piece of Cuban history that I was destined to," he told CubaNet in 2022 at the age of 98.

A Controversial Yet Respected Figure

Conte Agüero was the brother of former President Andrés Rivero Agüero, the last elected leader before Batista's rise. He witnessed and shaped the complexities of 20th-century Cuban politics, initially supporting Castro but later branded a "traitor" by the regime. In 1960, Castro accused him on national TV of acting with "great personal resentment and vanity" after their split.

For many exiles, Conte Agüero symbolized consistency, courage, and resistance against totalitarianism. His mantra was, "Walk with the truth, even if it hurts." His death has sparked reactions from colleagues, academics, activists, and exile figures who remember him as an irreplaceable figure in the political and cultural history of Cuban exiles.

In honor of his recent birthday on July 6, CaféFuerte published an article celebrating his extensive political career and public life, serving as an unintended tribute. On social media, the most repeated message encapsulates his enduring patriotism: "Cuba first, Cuba later, Cuba always."