SMG urges Africa to stand with Cuba against US sanctions

The Socialist Movement of Ghana (SMG) has called on African countries and progressive groups to intensify solidarity with Cuba against United States sanctions.

In a statement addressing Cuba’s worsening energy crisis, the organisation urged trade unions, political movements, and civil society groups across Africa to support efforts aimed at ending the long-standing United States blockade on the island nation.

“The Socialist Movement of Ghana calls upon progressive forces across Africa and the world to intensify solidarity with Cuba,” the statement said.

SMG encouraged organisations to organise public education campaigns, demonstrations and diplomatic pressure to oppose the sanctions regime imposed on Cuba.

“We urge trade unions, student movements, women’s organisations, community groups and progressive political parties to organise public education campaigns and solidarity events, pass resolutions condemning the blockade, mobilise support through demonstrations and diplomatic pressure, strengthen ties with Cuban organisations and institutions, and defend Cuba’s sovereignty in all international forums,” the group stated.

The organisation maintained that solidarity with Cuba should go beyond symbolic declarations.

“Solidarity must not be just symbolic. It must be organised, active, and internationalist,” the statement added.

Cuba is currently facing a severe energy crisis after officials confirmed the country had exhausted its diesel and fuel oil reserves. The shortages have resulted in massive daily blackouts across the country, with some communities receiving electricity for only one or two hours each day.

The crisis has disrupted daily life, forcing many households to rely on charcoal and firewood for cooking while hospitals and clinics struggle to maintain essential services.

Cuban authorities have blamed the worsening situation on tightened United States sanctions and restrictions targeting foreign vessels carrying fuel to the island. The country’s aging thermoelectric plants, many of which frequently break down, have also contributed to the instability of the national power grid.

The Socialist Movement of Ghana accused the United States of pursuing policies that had intensified the suffering of ordinary Cubans.

“The United States blockade maintained for more than six decades has systematically restricted Cuba’s access to fuel, energy infrastructure, financing, spare parts, and international trade,” the statement noted.

SMG also praised Cuba’s historic support for African liberation struggles and described the country as a longstanding ally of anti-colonial movements across the continent.