HAVANA — Some 650 delegates from 33 countries and 120 organizations began arriving in Cuba on Friday as part of a solidarity caravan transporting some 20 tons of humanitarian aid. The island is grappling with a severe energy crisis amid heightened tensions with the United States.
Members of the “Our America Convoy to Cuba” arrived by air from Italy, France, Spain, the United States, and several Latin American countries. More delegates are scheduled to arrive by sea on Saturday aboard a flotilla of three vessels from Mexico, organizers reported. A group of activists had already arrived in Havana on Wednesday, delivering donations to hospitals in advance of the main caravan.
This visit comes amid increased strain between Cuba and the United States. Both governments have acknowledged holding talks after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed an oil embargo on the island. Earlier this week, Trump stated he expected to have the “honor” of “taking Cuba in some form,” adding, “I can do anything I want.”
Among the donated items are solar panels, food supplies, and medicine to treat cancer. Cuba’s economy has been brought to a near standstill due to the energy embargo imposed in January, exacerbating a five-year economic crisis as the U.S. administration presses for political change on the island.
David Adler, a U.S. citizen and coordinator of Progressive International—one of the caravan’s organizers—stated, “In the end, we are dozens and dozens of delegates, and we represent millions of people in this convoy. We cannot allow this collective punishment. We cannot normalize it.”
Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío also addressed the ongoing dialogue, firmly rejecting any talks about changing the political system or the potential departure of Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel. “The Cuban political system is not up for negotiation, nor is the president, nor the position of any official in Cuba, subject to negotiation with the United States or with the government of any other country,” Fernández de Cossío said. He noted that many areas of common interest exist where dialogue with Washington is possible, continuing the approach taken in the past.
Manolo de los Santos, from The People’s Forum and another caravan organizer, emphasized that this mission is not only about “defying the U.S. blockade” but also about preventing “another Gaza in the Americas.”
Several analysts and regional leaders, including Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, have warned of a possible humanitarian crisis unfolding in Cuba. Adler pointed out that both the flotilla that traveled to Gaza and the one heading to Cuba share numerous supporters.
In addition to social activists, the caravan includes unions, prominent figures, and political parties such as Morena from Mexico, the Workers’ Party of Brazil, and the Broad Front of Uruguay. Notable participants include British Parliamentarian Jeremy Corbyn, Colombian Senator Clara López, former Spanish politician Pablo Iglesias, U.S. labor leader Chris Smalls, and Brazilian humanitarian activist Thiago Ávila.
For weeks, the only aid reaching Cuba came from Mexico, which sent food and hygiene products on three occasions. However, activists and leaders in other countries have now begun forming support groups and collecting donations.
President Díaz-Canel expressed his gratitude on social media, stating, “They bring shipments of aid to combat the attempt to suffocate us. Welcome once again to the compassion of the people. Solidarity always returns to those who practice it with no other interest than human well-being.”
Brazil has announced plans to send 20,000 tons of food, primarily rice, beans, and powdered milk. Additionally, a group of Chilean parliamentarians arrived with aid on Thursday, and China reported through its embassy that a ship carrying 60,000 tons of rice has set sail for Cuba.