The Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Yordenis Despaigne Vera, has commended Tanzania for its long-standing solidarity with Cuba, as he delivered a powerful address combining tribute, diplomacy, and a strong critique of unilateral economic sanctions affecting his country.
The remarks were made during the official launch of the Tanzania National Campaign in Solidarity with Cuba, held at the Mwalimu Nyerere Foundation Square in Dar es Salaam on 24 June 2026, bringing together senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, political leaders, and representatives of civil society organizations.
Among those present were Hon. Rabia Abdalla Hamid, Member of the Central Committee and Secretary for International Relations of CCM’s National Executive Council; senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation; ambassadors accredited to Tanzania including the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, H.E. Ahamada El Badaoui Mohamed Fakih; and representatives of the Mwalimu Nyerere Foundation led by Executive Director Ms. Emily Kariuki.
In his remarks, Ambassador Vera opened by informing participants that the Cuban people were observing a period of mourning following the passing of Commander Ramiro Valdés Domingo, a historical figure of the Cuban Revolution.
He paid tribute to his legacy, describing him as one of the key leaders who contributed to Cuba’s revolutionary struggle alongside iconic figures such as Fidel Castro, Raúl Castro, Camilo Cienfuegos, and Ernesto “Che” Guevara.
The Ambassador then delivered a detailed account of the current socio-economic conditions in Cuba, attributing the country’s ongoing economic and energy challenges to more than six decades of what he described as an intensified economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States.
He argued that the current crisis facing Cuba is the result of accumulated pressures over time, including sanctions reinforced during successive U.S. administrations, the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Cuba’s continued designation on the United States list of state sponsors of terrorism. He further highlighted restrictions affecting fuel imports, financial transactions, and access to essential goods.
According to Ambassador Vera, the impact of these measures has extended into key social sectors, including health, energy, and infrastructure.
He cited figures indicating reduced electricity generation capacity, extended daily power outages, shortages of essential medicines, and constraints affecting medical care systems, including for children and cancer patients.
He also pointed to disruptions in international banking channels, blocking of financial transfers, and logistical bottlenecks affecting the delivery of essential goods already within Cuban territory. Additionally, he noted that international humanitarian response mechanisms have been constrained in their effectiveness due to limited access to resources and financing.
“Creating scarcity and extreme deprivation for political purposes is unacceptable under any circumstances,” he said, warning that such practices violate international law and undermine global peace and stability.
Despite the challenges, the Ambassador emphasized that Cuba continues to maintain universal systems of education, healthcare, cultural access, and sports, while advancing efforts toward renewable energy transition and institutional reforms aimed at strengthening national resilience.
He reiterated Cuba’s longstanding commitment to international solidarity and expressed appreciation to Tanzania for its consistent support at global forums, particularly in opposing unilateral sanctions and advocating for sovereign equality among nations.
A key highlight of the address was Cuba’s gratitude for the launch of Tanzania’s National Campaign in Solidarity with Cuba, which Ambassador Vera described as a historic milestone in bilateral relations and a reflection of deep-rooted friendship between the two nations.
He praised the initiative as a continuation of a legacy built on historical cooperation between founding leaders Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere and Commander Fidel Castro, who established strong foundations for South-South cooperation during the post-colonial era.
The Ambassador further underscored that Cuba’s relationship with Africa, and Tanzania in particular, has long been anchored in mutual respect, shared ideological principles, and cooperation in education, health, and liberation movements across the continent.
Speaking at the same event, the Executive Director of the Mwalimu Nyerere Foundation, Ms. Emily Kariuki, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to peace, unity, self-reliance, and people centred development, emphasizing that Tanzania-Cuba relations represent a model of enduring international friendship rooted in shared values rather than geopolitical convenience.
She called for greater adherence to international law, respect for sovereignty, and the strengthening of multilateral cooperation under the framework of the United Nations Charter.
The Foundation also urged dialogue-based approaches to resolving international disputes and advocated for easing economic pressures affecting civilian populations.
Ms. Kariuki further emphasized that the philosophy of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere continues to guide Tanzania’s foreign policy outlook, particularly in promoting global justice, equality among nations, and resistance to unilateral coercive measures.
Analysts view the event as a significant reinforcement of South-South diplomatic ties, highlighting Tanzania’s continued role as a key supporter of Cuba in international forums.
The campaign is also expected to deepen public awareness of Cuba’s global partnerships and strengthen cooperation between civil society organizations in both countries.
The launch concluded with renewed commitments from both sides to further expand diplomatic, cultural, and developmental cooperation, reinforcing a relationship that has endured for decades as one of the most symbolic partnerships between Africa and Latin America.
