The 11th Plenary Session of the Central Committee of the Cuban Communist Party (PCC) has elevated Army Corps General Roberto Legrá Sotolongo, First Deputy Minister and Chief of the General Staff of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) since 2021, to the Political Bureau of the PCC, as announced by the regime's own organization.
According to the PCC's statement, Legrá Sotolongo is a graduate of Higher Military Education and pursued studies at the Interarms Cadet School "General Antonio Maceo," specializing in Tactical Command of General Troops.
Additionally, he studied from 1983 to 1987 at the Command and General Staff Academy of the former USSR ("Mikhail Frunze").
His biography, as detailed on the PCC Central Committee's website, highlights numerous roles he has held, including Infantry Battalion Chief, Tank Brigade Chief, head of military regions in Villa Clara and Santiago de Cuba, Chief of the Western Army Staff, Director of the Interarms School "General Antonio Maceo," and the FAR Academy "General Máximo Gómez Báez." He has also served as the Deputy Chief of the General Staff and Head of the FAR Operations Directorate.
Legrá Sotolongo completed an international mission in Angola, serving as Tactical Group Chief, and completed training in National Defense and Security at the CODEN, as well as a third degree in Operational Strategic Command and General Staff at the FAR Academy.
His accolades include the "Ignacio Agramonte" medals (third, second, and first class), "Internationalist Combatant" (second class), "For the Victory Cuba-Angola," commemorative medals for the 40th, 50th, and 60th anniversaries of the FAR, and distinctions "For Service in the FAR" for 10, 15, and 20 years of service.
He was a delegate to the 6th, 7th, and 8th PCC Congresses and was elected to the Central Committee during the 8th Congress. Additionally, he has served as a deputy to the National Assembly of People's Power since 2018.
The current members of the Political Bureau include Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, Roberto Tomás Morales Ojeda, Esteban Lazo Hernández, Salvador Valdés Mesa, and Manuel Marrero Cruz, among others. Other members are Gladys Martínez Verdecia, Ulises Guilarte de Nacimiento, Marta Ayala Ávila, Army Corps General Álvaro López Miera, Teresa María Amarelle Boué, and Army Corps General Lázaro Alberto Álvarez Casas.
The Loyal Military Command
At present, four key figures hold the rank of active Army Corps General in Cuba, cementing the core of military power: Lázaro Alberto Álvarez Casas, Álvaro López Miera, Joaquín Quintas Solá, and Roberto Legrá Sotolongo.
Álvaro López Miera, Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR), is regarded as the regime's top military strategist and one of Castro's most trusted men.
Joaquín Quintas Solá, at 86, continues as Deputy Minister of the FAR and Chief of the Central Strategic Region, recently participating in maneuvers like Meteoro 2025 and the Bastion exercise.
Roberto Legrá Sotolongo, 70, as Chief of the General Staff, rounds out the trio leading the regime's high military command.
The continued active service of these generals not only reflects their loyalty to the Castro legacy but also underscores the regime's commitment to maintaining a command structure based on loyalty, seniority, and a tight grip on the armed forces.
Insights into Cuba's Military and Political Landscape
Who is Roberto Legrá Sotolongo?
Roberto Legrá Sotolongo is an Army Corps General who serves as the First Deputy Minister and Chief of the General Staff of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) in Cuba. Recently, he was promoted to the Political Bureau of the Cuban Communist Party (PCC).
What roles has Legrá Sotolongo held in the Cuban military?
Legrá Sotolongo has held various roles, including Infantry Battalion Chief, Tank Brigade Chief, head of military regions in Villa Clara and Santiago de Cuba, Chief of the Western Army Staff, and more. He has also served in an international mission in Angola.