From Cuba, an anonymous voice accuses Washington of slow, barely veiled genocide and calls on the world to break the silence

HAVANA, Cuba.— An open letter, signed by 'an ordinary Cuban woman,' is circulating widely on social media and reigniting the debate on the consequences of the American embargo against Cuba. In a serious and accusatory text, the author denounces what she describes as a slow, calculated, and coldly executed assassination from the offices of Donald Trump. Addressing all of humanity, mothers, doctors, journalists, and governments, the signatory asserts that the current situation on the island is not merely an economic crisis, but a 'crime against humanity' resulting from over six decades of sanctions. Medication, Fuel, and Food at the Heart of the Accusations The letter first addresses the plight of the elderly, who, according to her, are deprived of essential medications to treat cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, or hypertension. She argues that foreign companies are deterred from trading with the island due to American sanctions, exacerbating shortages. The author also states that hospitals have been forced to turn off incubators due to lack of fuel, endangering the lives of newborns. She denounces a policy that prevents the supply of oil and medical equipment, accusing Washington of prioritizing its political decisions over humanitarian considerations. Regarding food, the letter describes 'programmed hunger,' arguing that financial and commercial restrictions complicate the import of basic foodstuffs such as cereals, milk, or poultry. She believes that this strategy of 'economic pressure' aims to permanently weaken the population. American Officials Named The text points to the responsibility of several American leaders, stating that sanctions were strengthened under the administration of Donald Trump and firmly applied by Senator Marco Rubio, known for his tough stance on Havana. The author also notes that Cuban scientists developed five vaccines against COVID-19 despite the restrictions, seeing this as proof of the resilience of the local health system in the face of economic isolation. A Call for International Mobilization Beyond the accusations, the letter serves as a call for international solidarity. 'Cuba is not asking for charity,' she writes, but 'justice' and an end to the normalization of the Cuban people's suffering. She urges governments not to remain silent, the media to relay 'the truth,' and global citizens to widely share her message. Concluding on a combative note, the signatory calls for breaking the silence and circulating the denunciation beyond the blockade, believing that collective mobilization could put pressure on the international community. While the American embargo against Cuba is regularly condemned by a majority of states at the United Nations General Assembly, this letter brings to the forefront the human dimension of a political conflict that has lasted for over 60 years and continues to deeply divide the international stage. Jean Mapou / Le Relief