Shortages in Cuba: Regional Mobilization Organizes in Face of Crisis

HAVANA.— Faced with persistent shortages affecting Cuba, particularly in fuel and essential goods, several Latin American countries have announced humanitarian aid initiatives, amid strong tensions related to sanctions imposed by the United States.

Mexico recently shipped essential goods to Havana, fulfilling a promise made by President Claudia Sheinbaum. Following suit, Chilean President Gabriel Boric announced the dispatch of humanitarian aid to the island. “We may have differences with Cuba, but nothing justifies the harm caused to children and innocent citizens,” he stated on the X network.

This decision drew strong criticism in Chile, notably from libertarian deputy Johannes Kaiser, while the country prepares for a political transition with the arrival in power of far-right leader José Antonio Kast on March 11.

Meanwhile, an international coalition of left-wing parties, NGOs, unions, and humanitarian groups plans to send a flotilla to Cuba next month. The stated objective: to deliver “essential goods” and express international solidarity with the Cuban people, in what some organizers describe as an attempt to avert a humanitarian catastrophe.

Jean Mapou / Le Relief