An international humanitarian convoy has arrived in Cuba this weekend, bringing urgently needed food and medical supplies as the country grapples with a worsening energy and economic crisis caused by a US blockade on oil imports. More than 500 activists from around 30 countries across Latin America, North America, and Europe converged in the capital, Havana, delivering approximately 20 metric tons of aid to Cuban authorities.
The initiative, known as the “Nuestra América” (“Our America”) convoy (named after an essay by Cuban independence hero José Martí) includes trade unionists, human rights advocates, artists, and political figures. The first group of around 100 activists arrived on March 18, handing over 5 metric tons of medicines and medical equipment for hospitals, with additional delegations arriving by air and sea in the following days.
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Participants pointed to the severe humanitarian impact of the ongoing energy crisis, which has been exacerbated by an oil embargo imposed earlier this year by the United States under President Donald Trump. Frequent power outages have disrupted daily life and strained the healthcare system. Medea Benjamin, a leading figure in the US-based peace group CodePink, said the shortages are having life-threatening consequences, including delays in critical medical procedures.
The convoy ultimately brought together around 650 delegates representing 120 organizations from 33 countries, delivering aid that included solar panels, food, and specialized medicines such as cancer treatments. Organizers described the effort as both a humanitarian mission and a political statement against what they called “collective punishment” of the Cuban people.
David Adler, one of the organizers, emphasized the broader significance of the action, saying the delegation represents millions who oppose the embargo and refuse to normalize the crisis it has created.
“We cannot allow this collective punishment. We cannot normalize it,” Adler said.
The aid mission comes amid rising tensions between Cuba and the United States, following recent remarks by Trump suggesting greater intervention in the island’s affairs. Cuban officials have firmly rejected any such notion.
Carlos Fernández de Cossío stated that Cuba’s political system and leadership, including President Miguel Díaz-Canel, are “not up for negotiation,” underscoring the country’s stance on sovereignty in the face of external pressure from Trump.
