In a recent statement on December 14, 2024, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that there will be no changes in U.S. policy towards Cuba before President Joe Biden's departure from office on January 20, 2025. This announcement came in response to questions regarding the potential removal of Cuba from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism, a designation that has been in place since 2021 when former President Donald Trump reinstated it just before leaving office. Biden upheld this decision, despite previous efforts to normalize relations during the Obama administration, which had removed Cuba from the list in 2015 [9cb21377].
The ongoing discourse surrounding Cuba's designation has intensified, with a collective of former world leaders and nearly 600 parliamentarians from 73 countries advocating for the removal of Cuba from the terrorism list. They argue that the sanctions imposed on Cuba have led to severe humanitarian crises and economic hardships, calling for a reevaluation of U.S. policy [124cd187][7b0b7371]. The leaders emphasized that ideological alignment should not dictate international relations, and they criticized the U.S. for its contradictory stance on Cuba's cooperation against terrorism [124cd187].
Adding to the international pressure, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and several Baptist groups have voiced their support for Cuba, urging the U.S. to lift the economic embargo. The NLC's President Joe Ajaero met with the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, expressing solidarity and calling for action against the sanctions that restrict access to essential resources [f4457cc5][0bc520e2].
Experts have pointed out that the State Sponsors of Terrorism designation has exacerbated Cuba's struggles, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and other economic challenges. They argue that the designation contradicts international law principles and has led to critical shortages in healthcare services [b9e315c4].
Despite the growing calls for change, Blinken's recent comments indicate that the Biden administration will not take any steps to alter the current policy before the end of Biden's term. This decision leaves many advocates concerned about the future of U.S.-Cuba relations and the humanitarian situation on the island [9cb21377].