By Newton Balenzi
In yet another hostile move against Cuba, the United States government has intensified its economic blockade by reinstating key provisions of the Helms-Burton Act, a measure designed to strangle the Cuban economy and destabilize its government. These actions are not only illegal under the international law, but they are also morally indefensible, as they seek to punish an entire nation for choosing its own path of sovereignty and independence.
On January 31, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the revocation of the suspension of Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, effectively allowing lawsuits in U.S. courts against companies and investors engaging with Cuba. Additionally, the U.S. government has reintroduced the List of Restricted Cuban Entities, barring US citizens and businesses from transacting with key Cuban institutions. The inclusion of Orbit S.A., a Cuban remittance processing company, further seeks to cripple the financial support that Cuban families receive from relatives abroad.
These aggressive measures, reminiscent of Cold War-era tactics, are aimed at creating economic hardship, social unrest, political destabilization and regime change in Cuba. The strategy is clear: starve the people, sabotage their economy, and falsely blame the government for the suffering caused by the illegal U.S. sanctions. This is economic warfare, a crime against humanity, and a continuation of decades of failed attempts to overthrow the Cuban Revolution.
AFRICA STANDS WITH CUBA
As Pan-Africanists and as Ugandans, we recognize these attacks not just as an assault on Cuba, but as part of a broader imperialist and neofascism strategy that has long targeted nations that refuse to submit to Western domination. The Cuban people have always stood in solidarity with Africa—whether by providing medical aid, training professionals, or supporting liberation movements across the continent. Today, it is our turn to stand with Cuba.
The Pan African Movement, the Uganda-Cuba Solidarity Movement, and the International Anti-fascist Movement (Uganda Chapter), we condemn this renewed aggression in the strongest terms. We call on our people, governments, the African Union, and all progressive movements worldwide to resist this economic terrorism. Cuba’s sovereignty must be respected, and the illegal blockade must end.
THE HYPOCRISY OF U.S. POLICY
For decades, every U.S. president before Donald Trump recognized the dangers of enforcing Title III of the Helms-Burton Act. Even the most conservative administrations understood that such measures violate international law and damage U.S. relations with allies whose businesses operate in Cuba. Yet, today’s decision-makers in Washington have chosen to ignore reason and embrace emotional reactionary policies dictated by extremist political factions and corporate interests.
The extraterritorial nature of these sanctions is particularly alarming. By threatening foreign companies with lawsuits, the U.S. seeks to isolate Cuba economically and block its access to the already scarce essential resources. This is a blatant violation of international trade laws, which the global community cannot afford to ignore. The United Nations has repeatedly condemned the U.S. embargo on Cuba, with an overwhelming majority of countries voting against it year after year.
CUBA SHALL OVERCOME!
Despite decades of economic warfare, Cuba has remained steadfast, resilient, and dignified. No amount of coercion has broken the spirit and diginity of the Cuban people, and no amount of intimidation will force them to surrender their independence.
We, the people of Africa, reaffirm our unwavering solidarity with Cuba. We call on the U.S. government to wake up and abandon its outdated, imperialist policies and respect Cuba’s right to self-determination. More importantly, we urge African nations to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties with Cuba, defying the unjust blockade and deepening the bonds of South-South cooperation.
History has shown that justice always prevails over oppression. The Cuban Revolution has survived every assault thrown its way, and it will continue to stand tall against imperialist aggression. The people of Africa stand shoulder to shoulder with our Cuban brothers and sisters.
Cuba shall overcome!
No to economic terrorism!
No to neofascism!
Long live Africa-Cuba solidarity!
Newton Balenzi, is Head of Administration, Pan African Movement – Uganda National Chapter & Coordinator, Uganda-Cuba Solidarity Movement
