Lis Cuesta once again stepped into a ceremonial role on behalf of the Cuban regime, this time to welcome Monica Geingos, former First Lady of Namibia, who paid a courtesy visit to Havana to strengthen ties in the areas of health, education, and gender equality. Wearing a striking patterned outfit and accompanied by Teresa Amarelle Boué, the Secretary General of the Federation of Cuban Women, Cuesta led the reception for Geingos at the headquarters of the official organization, assuming the role of First Lady, despite her own public claims that such a position "does not exist in Cuba" and viewing it as a patriarchal structure.
The gesture did not go unnoticed. While Namibia's official media highlighted the "shared commitment" between Cuba and the African nation, Cuesta's image as a diplomatic host reignited criticism about her ambiguous presence in Cuba's public sphere. Despite having denied being the First Lady in recent interviews, her involvement in state events and international tours has been consistent since Díaz-Canel took power in 2018.
In fact, in May 2022, during the official visit of former Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (2018-2024), Díaz-Canel interrupted the protocol on live national television to correct presenter Froilán Arencibia: "Neither in Mexico nor in Cuba do we have First Ladies. They are the wives, who work in their jobs, and along the way make their appearances with us...," said the Cuban leader, generating applause and exposing the discomfort of the official broadcaster. Despite this clarification, Cuesta has continued to informally assume that role, as evidenced by this recent diplomatic visit.
For her part, Monica Geingos, a lawyer, entrepreneur, and academic with a respected career in Africa, used her visit to express gratitude for the support received following the death of her husband, former Namibian President Hage Geingob. Currently a university rector in Rwanda, Geingos has been recognized for her work in governance, economic development, and gender equality.
The contrast between the two women is striking. While Geingos built a solid and independent professional career before, during, and after her tenure alongside Geingob, Cuesta has faced harsh criticism for occupying public spaces without a clear official function, in addition to being part of controversial episodes on social media. Notably, during the 2022 energy crisis, she tweeted about having her "heart in mop mode," or when she referred to Díaz-Canel as "the dictator of my heart," sparking outrage and memes.
Adding to this is the growing public scrutiny of her son, Manuel Anido Cuesta, who has accompanied Díaz-Canel on official trips, and whose relationship with actress Ana de Armas further fueled suspicions of nepotism and privilege amid widespread discontent on the island. Although Cuesta insists she does not have to "stay behind the door," her presence at diplomatic events like this contradicts her own narrative and feeds the perception of a Cuban political elite operating under its own rules, while most Cubans face daily hardships.
The meeting with Geingos served, at the very least, to unveil another layer of the Cuban political theater: one where, even if titles are denied, roles are performed with all the pomp the official narrative seeks to reject.
Lis Cuesta's Role and Public Perception
Why does Lis Cuesta's role as First Lady cause controversy?
Lis Cuesta's role as First Lady causes controversy because she publicly denies the existence of this position in Cuba, yet continues to assume its responsibilities informally. This contradiction, along with her presence in state affairs, fuels criticism and highlights the perceived inconsistency within the Cuban political system.
How has Monica Geingos been recognized in Africa?
Monica Geingos has been recognized in Africa for her contributions to governance, economic development, and gender equality. Her professional career spans law, entrepreneurship, and academia, earning her respect and recognition across the continent.