NAMIBIA URGES THE US TO FULLY NORMALISE RELATIONS WITH CUBA

The Namibian government has lauded the recent decision by the United States of America to remove Cuba from the Not Fully Cooperating Countries (NFCC) list in counterterrorism efforts.

Ambassador Penda Naanda, the Executive Director of Namibia’s Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, recognised the significance of this step, which could signal improved bilateral relations and cooperation on global security matters.

In a formal statement, Ambassador Naanda expressed Namibia’s satisfaction with the US Department of State’s action but highlighted ongoing concerns regarding Cuba’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism (SST).

He described the placement as unjustified, noting the adverse effects on the Cuban economy and the daily lives of its citizens due to exclusion from international aid and trade opportunities.

The United States removed Cuba from the NFCC list, acknowledging changes in circumstances and the resumption of law enforcement cooperation between the two nations.

This decision follows Cuba’s improved cooperation with Colombia regarding extradition requests for members of the National Liberation Army (ELN) and other collaborative efforts in counterterrorism.

Despite this positive development, Cuba remains on the SST list, a designation reinstated during the Trump administration in 2021 after being lifted in 2015 under President Obama.

This label imposes severe economic sanctions and restrictions on foreign assistance, significantly impacting Cuba’s international relations and economic health.

Ambassador Naanda urged the US government to reconsider and remove Cuba from the SST list, emphasising that the current designation does not reflect Cuba’s collaborative efforts in combating terrorism.

He reiterated Namibia’s support for global counterterrorism measures, stating that the country will always advocate for fair and just international policies.

International media outlets reported that Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez welcomed the NFCC removal and that he called for further steps toward fully normalising US-Cuba relations.

Rodríguez said that Cuba’s inclusion on the SST list is arbitrary and politically motivated, urging the cessation of such manipulations.

Ambassador Naanda said that Namibia stands firm in its support for Cuba’s reintegration into the global community without the burdens of unfounded terror-related sanctions.

“The most recent decision by the US with regards to Cuba aligns with Namibia’s broader commitment to international cooperation and peace.

He said that the Namibian government is hopeful that the US will take additional measures to reflect the realities of Cuba’s cooperation in counterterrorism and support the well-being of the Cuban people.