The Cuban ambassador to Namibia, Sergio Luis Vigoa De La Uz says the United States’ blockade against Cuba, which cost the Caribbean island over N$132.16 billion (US$8 billion) in one year, is a human rights violation.
While delivering effects of the United States Blockade on Cuba Report in Windhoek, yesterday, the ambassador said it has adverse effect on Cuba’s social needs, crushing its trade as well as health and education sectors.
“The blockade violates international law and sovereign equality. I want to raise concerns about collective punishment and the humanitarian impact on the population,” he said. “Collateral sanctions, combined with the energy siege, are considered a naval blockade – which the United Nations regards as an act of war.”
In January, the United States established a mechanism for additional tariffs on imports from countries supplying Cuba directly and indirectly.
On 1 May, the United States followed up with the tariff by declaring Cuba an unusual and extraordinary threat to their national security. This led to the expanded framework for measures affecting certain foreign persons and entities connected to designated strategic sections and support to the Cuban state.
Additionally, on 6 August and 20 August the United States Treasury added Cuba-related designations in successive sanctions-list updates, while on 3 September and 17 September the United States’ Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) targeted Banco Exterior de Cuba, the Cuba Oil Union (CUPET) and other entities and further designations followed.
The latest developments on blockades towards Cuba by the United States took place between 29 September and 15 October. This blockade concerns rules and banking pressure put on Cuba. This means that new Cuba regulations took effect on 15 October as OFAC sanctioned the Cuban Central Bank (BICSA).
Effect on energy
Ambassador De la Uz highlighted how a U. S policy initiated in July 2019, including the unlawful interception by U.S. forces of oil shipments from Venezuela, beginning in late 2019, has had a negative impact on the country.
“The implementation of an energy blockade represents an intensification of the policy of targeting fuel supplies to Cuba.
The sanctions have had a severe effect on the energy and essential services of Cuba as the energy deficit reaches across daily life,” said De La Uz. Currently, only 54.6% of the economic sector can be supplied with energy. In the residential sector, Cuba has put in place a plan for 83% of the residential sector to get energy, which represents more than 20 hours of power outages.
Effect on education
The report highlights that the blockade has caused disruptions to the transport of students and teachers, who account for nearly 30% of total enrolment. Classrooms require good lighting, and in the event of power outages, classes are moved to courtyards or hallways.
In higher education, the first semester of classes for 2026 had to be shifted to a fully remote format.
Humanitarian consequences – healthcare under pressure
According to de la Uz, fuel shortages have disrupted refrigerated transport and placed pressure on the delivery of vaccines and other temperature-sensitive medical supplies.
“Cuba’s healthcare is under pressure due to the blockage, as there are currently over 100 000 patients on the surgical waiting list, of which 12 000 are children. There are 2 888 patients who rely on haemodialysis services that require energy stability,” the ambassador emphasised.
The deterioration it has caused in cancer patient survival rates, which fell from 85% to 65%. The infant mortality rate in Cuba went from 4 per 1000 live births in 2018 to 9.9 per 1 000 lives in 2025.
Food and water
The ambassador also noted that fuel shortages affect the transport of products from agricultural areas to markets, warehouses, retail outlets, and processing centres.
He said they also drive up distribution costs and can prevent food from reaching consumers in a timely manner.
“Restrictions on fuel and electricity hinder the operation of water pumping, treatment, and distribution systems, causing service interruptions in communities and households.
Supply interruptions force families to seek alternative water sources and hinder domestic hygiene, with greater consequences for children, the elderly, hospitals and vulnerable communities,” he said.
Effect on trade and finance
The report further states that major shipping companies have suspended new orders bound for Cuba, and more than 7 000 containers remain stranded in Caribbean ports. Fines have also been imposed on several companies in the United States and other parts of the world for trading with Cuba as making payments via Visa and Mastercard cards on the island is no longer feasible.
Namibia’s solidarity with Cuba
The worsening state of living conditions for Cuba, especially in recent times, has led Namibia, through the Office of the Prime Minister, to intervene by setting up the Namibia-Cuban Association.
The association’s task is to gather funds to purchase medicine and solar kits for Cuban people through a campaign. The association has gathered an amount of N$2 449 155 through sales of tickets and pledges during a Gala Dinner organised in September.
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