Miguel Díaz-Canel took to social media to extend heartfelt thanks to Namibia's President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, following her vocal display of solidarity during the 2026 Cassinga Day commemorations.
In a public address broadcast by the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation, Nandi-Ndaitwah, Namibia's first female president, denounced the U.S. energy embargo as "unacceptable" and "very unfortunate."
"For over six decades, they have failed to bring Cuba down, and now they've stooped to the lowest level by hindering people's mobility, punishing those who wish to supply it with oil," she stated.
In a message shared on X, the Cuban leader expressed, "I deeply appreciate your expressions of solidarity with Cuba and your stance against the blockade and energy siege imposed on us by the U.S. government. Namibia's support is yet another testament that we are not isolated in the face of imperialist aggression."
Díaz-Canel's remarks came shortly after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed, on Tuesday, the notion of an oil blockade against Cuba, blaming the crisis on the end of free Venezuelan oil and the "incompetent communists" governing the Island. Díaz-Canel reacted with "surprise" at Rubio's denial, referencing Executive Order 14380.
The Namibian president highlighted the historical ties between the two nations: "The cooperation between Namibia and Cuba is born from blood spilled together on the battlefield. That's why we continue to strengthen Namibia's solidarity with the Cuban people."
This diplomatic gesture comes amid Cuba's most severe energy crisis in decades. Executive Order 14380, signed by Trump on January 29, enforces secondary sanctions on any country, company, or shipping line exporting oil to Cuba, slashing Cuban energy imports by 80% to 90%.
Adding to the turmoil, Venezuelan shipments—over 26,000 barrels per day—ceased following Nicolás Maduro's fall, and Pemex supplies were halted in January. Cuba has faced four consecutive months without external fuel, requiring eight to ten fuel ships monthly to meet demand, while domestic production stands at a mere 40,000 barrels per day.
The consequence has been power outages lasting up to 25 hours across more than 55% of Cuban territory, with an economic contraction forecasted at 7.2% for 2026, according to The Economist Intelligence Unit.
Last Thursday, Trump signed a new executive order extending sanctions on Cuba's energy, defense, mining, and financial sectors, tightening the stranglehold on the island.
As the regime seeks narratives of resistance and international legitimacy through statements like Nandi-Ndaitwah's, the Cuban populace continues to endure an unparalleled crisis.
"Like Namibia, we must continue standing in solidarity with the people of Cuba," the Namibian president concluded in her speech, words that Díaz-Canel quickly transformed into a political argument for his own citizens.
Understanding U.S. Sanctions and Cuba's Energy Crisis
What are the key factors behind Cuba's current energy crisis?
The crisis is primarily due to U.S. sanctions, which have cut off significant oil imports, the cessation of Venezuelan oil shipments, and halted supplies from Pemex, leaving Cuba without external fuel sources for months.
How has the U.S. government responded to claims of an oil blockade against Cuba?
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has denied the existence of an oil blockade, attributing Cuba's crisis to the end of free Venezuelan oil and the inefficiency of its communist administration.
What impact have the energy sanctions had on Cuba's economy?
The sanctions have led to severe power outages and an anticipated economic contraction of 7.2% by 2026, as the island struggles to cope with decreased energy imports and increased demand.