Yadira Ramírez Morera, the wife of Cuba's Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, accompanied him on an official visit to the Congo, where she engaged in a series of social and cultural activities in Brazzaville typical of a nation's Second Lady. Ramírez Morera’s itinerary included a number of visits, notably alongside Aurélie Makoso, wife of Congolese Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makoso, and several other ministers' spouses.
According to a report by Tele Congo, Ramírez Morera diverged from her husband's official agenda to attend meetings at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, Arts, and Leisure. There, she was welcomed by Minister Marie-France Lydie Hélène Pongo. They discussed the cultural connections between Cuba and the Congo, with music, particularly salsa and rumba, serving as a bridge between the two nations.
However, beyond cultural diplomacy, Ramírez Morera’s visit involved distributing donations to social institutions. This gesture highlights a contradiction within the Cuban regime: while hospitals in Cuba suffer from severe shortages of supplies, forcing citizens to endure long lines for food and medicine, the Cuban delegation is distributing aid abroad.
A significant stop on her tour was the Maison des Seniors Kambissi in Filou, a senior home operated by the Congo Assistance Foundation. Here, she delivered food and interacted with residents. This act is starkly ironic when contrasted with the situation in Cuba, where the elderly face inadequate living conditions, insufficient pensions, and a lack of access to proper nutrition.
The delegation later visited the Centre National de Référence de Drépanocytose Antoinette Sassou Nguesso, where they provided medications to support the treatment of anemia and cancer. The contrast is glaring: Cuban hospitals are overwhelmed due to a lack of supplies, patients resort to informal networks to obtain essential medicines, and the absence of equipment endangers countless Cuban lives.
In addition to her social engagements, Ramírez Morera toured the Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza Memorial, dedicated to the historical memory of Brazzaville and its founders. She was received by Binda Isa, the memorial’s General Director, who explained the capital’s creation and cultural legacy.
Nevertheless, official reports omit the high cost of this trip and her stay in Brazzaville. Independent Cuban media have reported that the Prime Minister's wife is lodged in a luxurious five-star hotel, a stark contrast to the reality faced by Cuban citizens, who struggle with inadequate wages amid one of the worst economic crises in decades.
Though she holds no governmental position, Ramírez Morera serves as the Director of Communications for the Ministry of Tourism (Mintur), a sector closely linked to her husband, who was the Tourism Minister before becoming Prime Minister. Her inclusion in the official delegation and active participation in diplomatic and humanitarian activities abroad have been questioned, particularly given the substantial expense of her presence during a time of crisis in Cuba.
While the Cuban government insists that resource shortages are due to the U.S. embargo, it simultaneously allocates funds for official trips featuring luxurious accommodations and foreign donations. This disparity angers many Cubans, who daily face the harsh reality of scarcity on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about Yadira Ramírez Morera's Visit to the Congo
What activities did Yadira Ramírez Morera engage in during her visit to the Congo?
During her visit to the Congo, Yadira Ramírez Morera participated in social and cultural activities, delivered donations to social institutions, and toured historical sites. Her activities included meetings with local ministers and visits to senior homes and medical centers.
Why has Ramírez Morera's visit been criticized?
The visit has been criticized due to the contrast between the aid given abroad and the severe shortages experienced in Cuba. Critics have also pointed out the high costs of her luxurious accommodations during a time of economic crisis in Cuba.