Miguel Díaz-Canel issued a bold challenge to the United States on Friday through a post on his Facebook page, co-opting a phrase from José Martí to address the federal criminal charges against Raúl Castro.
"The chaotic and ruthless North that despises us still doesn't know us: trying to divide us has only made us stronger," declared the Cuban leader.
This statement was posted an hour after a political event held at the José Martí Anti-Imperialist Tribune in Havana, which was organized in response to the U.S. Department of Justice's charges against Raúl Castro for the downing of two Brothers to the Rescue planes on February 24, 1996.
In his post, Díaz-Canel also remarked, "Just days before Raúl's 95th birthday, the attempt to attack the Army General has become an extraordinary motivation to celebrate his life early," concluding with a call for loyalty to the elderly leader: "Stay ready. Command us!"
The Martí quote used by Díaz-Canel is derived from an unfinished letter José Martí wrote to Manuel Mercado on May 18, 1895, two days before he was killed in combat at Dos Ríos. This reference is often employed in Cuban official rhetoric to frame tensions with Washington.
The Event and Notable Absentees
The gathering at the Anti-Imperialist Tribune was underscored by two significant absences. First, Díaz-Canel broke from tradition by appearing in olive green combat attire without addressing the crowd, a departure from his usual conduct at such events.
The sole figure to speak was Gerardo Hernández, national coordinator of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution, who delivered a brief message from Raúl Castro, affirming his continued fight for Cuba.
The second, more conspicuous absence was the honoree himself, who did not attend the event held in his honor. This sparked a wave of mockery on social media.
Comments from Cuban users included, "And the honoree didn't show up for his own event?", "Raúl is in hiding!", and "More olive green than people, nobody supports this."
Behind the Scenes: Mobilization and Health Concerns
The regime orchestrated the attendance by mobilizing public transport, military personnel, police, and workers, with the event being organized by the Young Communist League and other mass organizations.
Raúl Castro's health, as he approaches his 95th birthday on June 3, remains a continuous underlying concern. In April, Díaz-Canel described him as "frail due to his advanced age."
Castro's last public appearance was on May 1 at the same Tribune, where he appeared visibly weakened.
Diplomatic Strain and U.S. Perspective
The diplomatic climate is highly strained. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged on Thursday, "Honestly, I don't foresee much progress" in negotiations with the Cuban regime, labeling Cuba a "failed state" and warning of potential systemic collapse.
Regarding the charges against Raúl Castro in the U.S., Rubio was forthright: "We will bring him to justice, but if there's an announcement, it will likely come afterward, not beforehand."
Understanding the Tensions Between Cuba and the U.S.
What prompted Díaz-Canel's recent challenge to the U.S.?
Díaz-Canel's challenge was a response to the U.S. federal charges against Raúl Castro related to the 1996 downing of two planes by Brothers to the Rescue.
Why was Raúl Castro absent from the event in his honor?
Raúl Castro did not attend the event, which led to speculation and mockery on social media, but specific reasons for his absence were not disclosed.
How did the Cuban government ensure attendance at the event?
The Cuban government mobilized public transport, military, police, and workers to ensure a large turnout, organized by the Young Communist League and other groups.