Africa-Press – Namibia.
The Namibian government adopted a motion recently in parliament, solidifying its firm support for the nation of Cuba.
The motion tabled by Swapo parliamentarian, Tobie Aupindi, seeks for the lifting of economic, financial and commercial blockade against Cuba and its people imposed on it by the United States of America (USA).
It also seeks that the USA immediately removes Cuba from the list of states sponsoring terrorism.
During his first presidential term, U.S. president Donald Trump reinstated Cuba to the US list of state sponsors of terrorism.
Meanwhile, former US president Joe Biden, in January 2025, removed Cuba from the list and removed restrictions on financial transactions with certain Cuban parties.
However, Trump overturned Biden’s decision and reinstated the nation on the list.
The minister of international relations and trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, shortly after, condemned the decision, stating this is an unwarranted tactic delaying normalising diplomatic relations between the two neighbouring nations and does not truly symbolise an act to fight against international terrorism.
She further called for dialogue between the U.S. and Cuba, urging the US to maintain a positive and friendly foreign policy towards Cuba so that both countries can live together as good neighbours.
Nevertheless, together with her fellow parliamentarians in a session, Ashipala-Musavyi on Tuesday reaffirmed Namibia’s position, lauding Cuba’s significant contribution to decolonisation in Africa and especially in Southern Africa.
“For Namibia, the narrative of our national liberation struggle will be incomplete without citing the contribution of Cuba,” she stated.
This act against Cuba by the US violates the United Nations Charter and does not align with the Sustainable Development Goals or the Pact of the Future, she highlighted.
The UN Charter also advocates for dignity, peaceful coexistence and harmony among nations.
“The fact that this resolution continues to garner overwhelming support at the United Nations speaks to its unilateralism and its condemnation by the international community,” she said.
Cuba has lost about US$250 trillion because of this blockade over the past 18 years.
In retrospect, in his support of the motion, Aupindi noted that the current status quo is not sustainable for both countries.
The embargo costs the U.S. economy US$3.6 billion per year in economic output, he mentioned.
“Both countries are suffering economic devastations, with Cuba on the receiving end, because, since the blockade began, to the present, the Republic of Cuba has lost in excess of US$200 billion.”
He is concerned that while the USA may be able to increase its trade with other global economies, these losses are unsustainable figures for any small economy like Cuba.
“Namibia stands ready to offer its mediating support and play its meaningful role in the promotion of lasting peace and coexistence and economic opportunities between the two countries,” he added.
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