Nearly ten years after the Obama-era "thaw" in relations with Cuba, and following the recent call for a "March of the Combative People" by Miguel Díaz-Canel, U.S. Under Secretary of State Brian Nichols has made it clear to the Cuban leader that democracy remains the sole path forward for Cuba. In a recent interview with journalist Mario J. Pentón, Nichols reflected on the past decade in Cuba, concluding that significant reforms have not materialized since the diplomatic ties were reestablished.
Nichols argues that the Cuban regime squandered the chance to implement democratic changes following the historic rapprochement initiated in December 2014. "The restoration of diplomatic relations under the Obama administration was a pivotal step in improving the lives of Cuban citizens and addressing issues like the lack of democracy on the island... However, the reforms we hoped to see in Cuba did not happen," he noted.
During and after the negotiations leading to the "thaw," Nichols recalled, the regime intensified its repression. "In 2021, we witnessed a wave of repression that shocked the world, a significant setback for the well-being of the Cuban people and the international community. It was a missed opportunity by the regime," he lamented.
Humanitarian Crisis and Hunger in Cuba
Nichols also emphasized that not only has repression increased, but the situation on the island has significantly deteriorated in recent years, pushing the population into extreme poverty and hunger. "There is hunger, perhaps not a famine, but certainly a lot of hunger in Cuba," the U.S. official stated.
In this context, Nichols defended the United States' efforts to support the private sector through changes in economic regulations aimed at improving the welfare of ordinary citizens. In May, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the Department of the Treasury announced measures to back independent private sector entrepreneurs in Cuba. These include allowing Cuban citizens unaffiliated with the Communist Party to open bank accounts in the United States and authorizing U-turn transactions, which had been eliminated in 2019.
Additionally, services on digital platforms such as video conferencing, online gaming, and e-learning have been approved to "assist the Cuban people, including independent private sector entrepreneurs." This approach seeks to encourage independent economic activity, although the regime continues to impose obstacles that hinder the development of the private sector on the island. However, Nichols points out that persistent restrictions enforced by the government, like the recent prohibition of wholesale trade without state enterprise intermediaries, complicate entrepreneurial efforts.
Democracy as the Only Solution
Nichols maintains that the resolution to Cuba's crisis lies in establishing democracy. "The solution to the problems Cuba faces right now is democracy and increased freedoms," he asserted, adding that political openness would enable greater economic growth. "You cannot treat the symptoms, such as power outages, without addressing the real ailment: the lack of democracy in Cuba," he concluded.
Meanwhile, seemingly oblivious to the true meaning of "democracy," Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel reiterated in a post on X this Tuesday the plan to hold a "March of the Combative People" on December 20.
Understanding the Current Crisis in Cuba
What is the United States' stance on the political situation in Cuba?
The United States believes that democracy is the only solution to Cuba's current problems, emphasizing the need for political openness and increased freedoms.
How has the Cuban government responded to the "thaw" in relations?
Despite the reestablishment of diplomatic relations, the Cuban government has intensified repression and failed to implement significant democratic reforms.
What measures have been taken by the U.S. to support the Cuban private sector?
The U.S. has introduced measures to aid Cuban entrepreneurs, such as allowing the opening of bank accounts in the U.S. and authorizing certain financial transactions and digital services.