IN A BLISTERING condemnation of United States (US) policy, the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has thrown the weight of its 18 million workers behind Cuba, demanding an immediate end to the six-decade-long economic embargo that is strangling the socialist island nation.
In a statement dated February 14, 2026 from its headquarters in Lomé, Togo, and made available to National Record, ITUC-Africa pulls no punches, accusing President Donald Trump and his Secretary of State, Senator Marco Rubio, of pursuing “naked colonial and neo-colonial” policies designed to crush Cuba’s sovereignty.
Signed by its General Secretary, Akhator Joel Odigie, ITUC-Africa condemned what it called a “scorched earth strategy” by Washington, warning that ordinary Cubans are being made to pay the price for geopolitical disputes they did not create.
“African workers are deeply concerned that these policies have led to worsening socio-economic conditions affecting Cuban workers, families, community, and economy. Prolonged economic restrictions continue to limit access to energy, essential goods, and development opportunities. Working people bear the heaviest burden, facing declining living standards, insecurity, and weakened social protection,” the statement reads.
Describing the embargo as “antithetical to democracy” and “morally indefensible,” ITUC-Africa pointing to worsening socio-economic conditions, limited access to energy, and deteriorating living standards for Cuban workers.
“These actions against Cuba by the United States of America are antithetical to democracy. The use of brute power and scorched earth strategy by a global superpower to remotely control, coerce, or punish nations — while millions of innocent people suffer — is morally indefensible. Workers, families, and vulnerable communities must never become victims of geopolitical disputes. When policies deepen poverty, restrict essential needs, and erode human dignity, they violate justice, solidarity, and our shared humanity,” the organisation asserted.
In a direct challenge to the international community, ITUC-Africa called out global inaction. “We call on the International Community to end its dangerous silence and speak up for international law and order,” the statement declared, further demanding for humanitarian cooperation and constructive dialogue.
It also insisted that access to healthcare, food, and energy are fundamental human rights — not bargaining chips.
Rejecting Washington’s narrative, ITUC-Africa reaffirmed Cuba’s right to self-determination and its political system, which they noted is “overwhelmingly preferred by most Cubans.”
Ending on a note of unwavering solidarity, the organisation pledged: “Workers across Africa stand shoulder to shoulder with the Cuban people, workers, families, and government in their struggle for dignity, justice, peace, freedom, and social progress.”
