Socialist Movement of Ghana condemns US ‘economic warfare’ against Cuba

The Socialist Movement of Ghana (SMG) has condemned what it describes as the United States “economic warfare” against Cuba amid the Caribbean nation’s worsening energy crisis.

In a solidarity statement issued on May 28, the group accused the United States of imposing policies that have crippled Cuba’s access to fuel, financing, and energy infrastructure, resulting in prolonged nationwide blackouts and severe hardship for millions of citizens.

“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 said.

SMG argued that the crisis facing Cuba was not caused by natural disaster or internal collapse but by external economic pressure.

“This policy of economic strangulation has intensified the suffering of ordinary Cubans and constitutes a form of collective punishment. We call this by its proper name: economic warfare,” the group stated.

Cuba is currently experiencing one of its most severe energy shortages in recent years after officials confirmed that diesel and fuel oil reserves had been exhausted. Citizens across the country are enduring daily electricity cuts, often receiving power for only one or two hours a day.

The shortages have forced many households to resort to charcoal and firewood for cooking while hospitals and clinics struggle to maintain essential services.

According to Cuban authorities, tighter United States sanctions and restrictions on foreign vessels transporting fuel to the island have prevented several international tankers from delivering shipments.

The country’s aging thermoelectric plants have also compounded the crisis, with frequent breakdowns and insufficient fuel supplies disrupting power generation.

The Socialist Movement of Ghana described the blockade against Cuba as “unjust and illegal under international law” and said it violated the Cuban people’s right to sovereignty and development.

The organisation also recalled Cuba’s historical support for African liberation struggles, particularly in Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, and Guinea-Bissau.

“We join the majority of nations across the world in demanding the immediate and unconditional lifting of the United States blockade against Cuba,” the statement added.

SMG further called on progressive organisations, trade unions, and political movements across Africa to intensify solidarity efforts with Cuba through public campaigns, demonstrations, and diplomatic pressure.