CDHR Condemns Escalating U.S. Sanctions on Cuba, Warns of Humanitarian Crisis

By: Michael Mike

The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has condemned the latest sanctions imposed on Cuba by the administration of Donald Trump, warning that the measures could trigger a humanitarian catastrophe and undermine Cuba’s sovereignty.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Nigerian-based human rights organisation expressed solidarity with the government and people of Cuba amid what it described as a worsening economic and humanitarian crisis caused by renewed sanctions and executive actions from the United States.

The group particularly criticised Executive Order 14380 of January 29, 2026, as well as follow-up sanctions announced on May 1, 2026, targeting Cuba’s energy, financial, defence, mining and commercial sectors.

According to CDHR, the sanctions amount to a dangerous escalation of economic aggression capable of inflicting severe hardship on ordinary Cubans.

The organisation stated that provisions contained in Section 2 of the executive order, which impose restrictions on individuals, institutions and foreign entities engaging with Cuba, threaten the right to life and wellbeing of millions of citizens by limiting access to fuel, trade, financial cooperation and humanitarian support.

“The continued tightening of these sanctions constitutes a huge threat to humanity, particularly to the Cuban people’s internationally recognised rights to life, healthcare, food security, development and self-determination,” the statement read.

CDHR said the sanctions had already disrupted fuel supplies to the island nation, resulting in prolonged blackouts, transportation paralysis, shortages of food and clean water, and disruptions within the healthcare system.

The organisation cited reports of suspended surgeries, interruptions in chemotherapy and dialysis treatments, and worsening shortages of medical supplies as evidence of an avoidable humanitarian disaster.

The rights group further argued that economic coercion which undermines access to healthcare, electricity and basic necessities contradicts the principles of international law, human rights and the sovereign equality of nations as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.

It also expressed concern over what it described as inflammatory rhetoric aimed at destabilising Cuba, warning that such actions threaten global principles of non-interference and self-determination.

Recalling Cuba’s historical support for liberation struggles in Africa, including assistance to anti-colonial movements in Algeria, Angola, Namibia, Guinea-Bissau and South Africa, CDHR noted that the country had consistently demonstrated international solidarity despite decades of sanctions.

The organisation also highlighted Cuba’s deployment of medical professionals during the Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic across parts of Africa and the Global South.

CDHR lamented what it described as the silence of much of the international community while Cubans continue to endure economic hardship.

The group called on governments, regional organisations, civil society bodies, labour unions and humanitarian institutions worldwide to speak against what it termed the “economic strangulation” of Cuba and defend the country’s sovereignty.

It also urged the United Nations and international humanitarian agencies to take urgent steps toward addressing the humanitarian situation in Cuba and opposing policies that endanger civilian lives.

The statement was signed by CDHR National President, Yinka Folarin, and National Secretary, Idris Afees.

CDHR Condemns Escalating U.S. Sanctions on Cuba, Warns of Humanitarian Crisis

Troops Intercept ISWAP Logistics Supplies Along Banki–Kumshe Route in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have intercepted suspected logistics supplies meant for ISWAP/JAS terrorists along the Banki–Kumshe route in Borno State.

Military sources disclosed that the interception occurred at about 1:30 a.m. on May 8, 2026, when troops of 152 Task Force Battalion on ambush duty engaged suspected terrorists crossing from the Cameroon border axis into Nigeria.

The troops reportedly laid ambush positions along the Banki–Kumshe road before sighting and engaging the insurgents transporting supplies.

According to the sources, the terrorists were forced to withdraw in confusion following the encounter, while troops carried out limited exploitation of the area.

Items recovered during the operation included eight bicycles, six 25-litre jerrycans containing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 32 surgical drips, 19 packs of drugs, one can of vitamins, 200 motorcycle repair parts, 12 phone batteries, a phone charger, 25 bags of grains, 11 packs of sewing thread, kola nuts, 93 rolls of detergents, food items and other sundry materials.

Security sources also disclosed that a Cameroon phone number written on a piece of carton was recovered among the seized items.

Troops later changed ambush positions and continued surveillance operations within the area to deny terrorists freedom of movement.

Military authorities said no casualty was recorded among troops during the operation, while exploitation and intelligence activities were ongoing to track fleeing insurgents and dismantle their supply network.

The interception forms part of ongoing counter-terrorism operations aimed at disrupting logistics routes and weakening the operational capabilities of insurgents operating within the North-East theatre.

Troops Intercept ISWAP Logistics Supplies Along Banki–Kumshe Route in Borno

Governor Buni speaks on primary elections where consensus failed

By: Yahaya Wakili

Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has revealed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is open to a fair, credible, and transparent primary election if there is no general agreement on the consensus mode.

Governor Buni started this while commenting on the crisis rocking the party over the governor candidate for the 2027 general election. He said the party has not foreclosed direct election to produce its candidates for the contestable offices for the 2027 general election.

According to him, the party is still working on dialogue; “we are talking to each other and reaching out to the stakeholders, including the aspirants, to arrive at an amicable solution.”

“As the governor of Yobe state, I will be the happiest person to see that the state and party are peaceful and united, noting that we remain citizens of Yobe state and members of APC.

“My expectation is to see us more united and collectively working for our candidates to win the 2027 general elections,” Governor Buni said.

Governor Buni further said, “As a founding member, former secretary, and national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the unity and progress of the party mean so much to me personally; therefore, I will continue to support and protect the ideals of the party to remain Nigeria’s ruling political party.”

He expressed optimism that the aspirations for public offices in the state are driven by the desire to serve the people for a better and improved life.

Governor Buni speaks on primary elections where consensus failed