Former Mexican president Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) has broken his political silence, reappearing on social media to defend Cuba against U.S. sanctions and threats, calling for solidarity and humanitarian aid. His message comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Havana.
- On March 15, 2026, AMLO posted a video message supporting Cuba, criticizing U.S. policies under President Donald Trump.
- He condemned attempts to “exterminate” Cuba for its ideals of freedom and sovereignty, urging Mexicans to stand with the island nation.
- AMLO invited his followers to donate money to help purchase food, medicine, fuel, and other essentials for Cuban citizens.
Historical References
- AMLO invoked the words of General Lázaro Cárdenas, who defended Cuba during the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion, reminding Mexicans that Cuba’s struggle is tied to Mexico’s own history of resistance.
- He framed Cuba’s plight as a shared Latin American cause, not a distant conflict.
Reaction from Cuba
- Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel publicly thanked AMLO, praising his “permanent and decisive support” and highlighting Mexico’s role as a steadfast ally.
- Díaz-Canel emphasized that Cuba would never forget Mexico’s solidarity during difficult times.
Mexico’s Ongoing Support
- Under President Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico has continued humanitarian aid to Cuba, including shipments of food, cleaning supplies, and fuel.
- In 2025, Mexico supplied an average of 12,284 barrels of crude oil per day, covering nearly half of Cuba’s imports. However, U.S. pressure has forced Mexico to halt petroleum shipments, raising fears of an energy crisis in Cuba.
Geopolitical Context
- The U.S. has intensified sanctions following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in January 2026, warning countries against exporting oil to Cuba.
- Despite these threats, Mexico insists its aid is humanitarian, not political, positioning itself as a key supporter of Cuba in the region.
AMLO’s unexpected return highlights Mexico’s enduring solidarity with Cuba, even as U.S. sanctions escalate. His call for donations underscores the humanitarian dimension of the crisis, while Cuba’s leadership openly values Mexico’s role as a trusted ally.
Source: El Financiero
