Former Cuban leader Raul Castro is engaged in discussions between Cuba and the United States, as confirmed by current President Miguel Diaz-Canel on Wednesday. These talks, described as at an early stage, occur amid escalating tensions between the two countries. Cuba is facing widespread power outages due to a failing power grid and an ongoing oil blockade imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has threatened tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba. Trump recently hinted at taking control of Cuba.
Diaz-Canel disclosed during a recorded interview with Spanish leftist figure Pablo Iglesias that the Cuban government is collectively managing the negotiations. Despite Diaz-Canel assuming the presidency in 2018, the 94-year-old revolutionary figure Castro, sibling of Fidel, wields significant influence in the nation. Iglesias visited Cuba as part of a delegation comprising 600 activists from 33 countries to provide humanitarian aid.
Diaz-Canel stressed to Iglesias the lengthy process of reaching an agreement through conversations. He emphasized the need to establish a dialogue channel, align on common interests, and demonstrate genuine commitment to advancing based on agreed-upon agendas. Castro’s precise role in these discussions remains unclear.
Raul Castro, who took over from his brother Fidel as president, previously led groundbreaking talks with former U.S. President Barack Obama in 2014, resulting in the reopening of embassies and restoration of diplomatic ties. Contrary to Obama’s approach, Trump has tightened sanctions, exacerbated Cuba’s economic crisis, and enforced an energy blockade. Trump’s current Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, a Cuban exile descendant from Florida, strongly opposes the Castro regime.
In January, Trump issued threats of tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba to influence its political structure. Despite softening initial threats, the embargo remains in effect, with no fuel shipments to Cuba for the past three months. The island has suffered prolonged power outages and societal disruptions, with two recent nationwide blackouts leaving millions without electricity.
The U.S. administration has indicated ongoing negotiations with Cuba, while Trump’s statements on taking over the island raise concerns. Diaz-Canel mentioned recent talks between Cuban officials and the U.S. State Department. Additionally, he addressed speculations about Castro’s involvement in the dialogue process, highlighting Castro’s historical leadership within the revolution and his continued influence despite stepping back from official duties.
United Nations resident coordinator in Cuba, Francisco Pichon, expressed worries about a potential humanitarian crisis if the situation deteriorates further. Pichon estimated a need for $94 million USD to address the energy crisis and hurricane damage on the island. The crippled energy grid jeopardizes essential medical procedures for thousands and access to water for many. The UN officials stressed the urgency of fuel and alternative energy sources like solar power to sustain critical services and prevent a possible loss of lives.
