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Removal of Cuban Blockage: Envoy Appeals to Nigeria, Others to Pile Pressure on US
Removal of Cuban Blockage: Envoy Appeals to Nigeria, Others to Pile Pressure on US
By: Michael Mike
Cuba has called on Nigeria and other countries of the world to pile pressure on the United States of America(US) to end the 64-year-old blockade and economic sanctions on her.
The Ambassador of Cuba to Nigeria, Miriam Morales Palmero made the call during a press conference in Abuja, ahead of the vote against the US blockade scheduled to take place at the United Nations General Assembly on October 29, 2024.
The envoy who applauded Nigeria for always standing by Cuba, said the country’s friendship and alliance is needed at the time more than ever, noting that with the support of Nigeria and other African countries, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Middle East, her country will be free from the blockade.
While decrying the injustice of the prolonged blockade policy put in place in 1960 by the US on Cuba, Palmero said it has made negative impacts in various sectors of the Cuban political, social and economic life, calling for immediate lifting of the blockade against her country.
She noted that the US government started the blockade on March 14, 1958, when it banned weapons sale to Cuba via an arms embargo and later extended to a bigger ban on all exports to Cuba, food and medicine excluded.
She swid: “In 1962, during the Cuban Missile Crisis between the US and the Soviet Union, Cuba held nuclear weapons on behalf of the Soviet Union leading to a full- scale blockade on the Cuban island. The actions of the US have led to the UN having annual resolutions to dispel the blockage since 1992, this year’s resolution being on the 29th of October.”
The Ambassador covered various economic and social effects of the blockade on Cuba which include that the blockage prevents the US from trading with Cuba, greatly limiting Cuba’s access to goods, services and technology such as food, medical aid and the country’s ability to generate revenue.
She said: “With many countries being allies with the US, fearing the repercussions that might come with trading with Cuba, foreign investments and trades with Cuba are severely limited.
“Although Cuba has a wonderful health care system, this blockage limits the country’s access to medicine leading to the inability to properly care for its citizens in times of health crises,” she said.
Palmero said that Cuba has lost billions of dollars in various sectors due to the blockade, adding that regional responses from Latin America countries, the Caribbean community and the European Union have been expressly on the side of Cuba, all calling for the end of the embargo.
She noted that her country has survived these years of blockade because of the courage and resilience of its people and the determination of successive leaders of the country from Fidel Castro to Raul Castro and to the current President Miguel Diaz- Canel.
She said “Countries like China and Russia still show their willingness to invest in Cuba even though they receive backlash from the US. Many other countries have proclaimed a strong diplomatic relationship with Cuba, Nigeria included and the number of these countries is over 180.
“Moreover, various international NGOs have protested against the blockage stating that it has negative humanitarian impacts.”
She pointed out that Cuba is making spirited efforts to counteract the effects of the blockade while it struggles to form strong alliances globally, adding that it still sought to establish diplomatic relationships with China, Russia, Nigeria and other European countries.
She said “the government has focused on exporting medical supplies, biotechnology etc to these various countries.
“To fight against the food shortages caused by the blockage, Cuba has focused on organic farming and sustainable practices to ensure maximum efficiency and food security leasing to the country not having to depend entirely on other countries and organizations for food.
“Furthermore, Cuba actively promotes its culture with the help of globalization through: music, arts and even food leading to a strong cultural exchange enhancing its global image.”
She noted that Cuba has always been willing to negotiate with the US on how to end the blockade but insisted that her country will not allow any form of dictation from the US.
Removal of Cuban Blockage: Envoy Appeals to Nigeria, Others to Pile Pressure on US
Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims in Kogi
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued two kidnapped victims during a routine patrol in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Security sources said the operation took place at about 7:01 p.m. on April 30 when troops of 12 Brigade deployed at Okoloke Patrol Base intercepted suspected kidnappers at Ejiba community.
The sources disclosed that the troops acted swiftly, forcing the suspects to abandon their victims.
According to the sources, the two kidnapped persons were successfully rescued and later reunited with their families.
They added that security patrols have been intensified in the area to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of residents.
Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims in Kogi
Nigeria Summons South Africa Envoy Over Renewed Anti-Foreigner Protests, Attacks on Nigerians
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has summoned the Acting High Commissioner of South Africa following mounting concerns over a fresh wave of anti-foreigner protests and reported attacks targeting Nigerian citizens and their businesses.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that the envoy is expected at its headquarters in Abuja on Monday, May 4, 2026, where Nigerian authorities will formally register their strong displeasure over developments seen as threatening the long-standing diplomatic and economic ties between both countries.
At the heart of the meeting are recent demonstrations by various groups in South Africa, which have reportedly degenerated into harassment, violence, and destruction of foreign-owned businesses—many belonging to Nigerians. The incidents have triggered widespread anger among Nigerians, amid fears for the safety of thousands living and working in South Africa.
Spokesperson of the Ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa on Saturday said the government is deeply worried about the implications of the unrest on bilateral relations, stressing that Nigeria remains committed to protecting its citizens abroad while pursuing diplomatic solutions.
Despite the rising tension, the Federal Government urged Nigerians to remain calm, assuring that steps are being taken at the highest diplomatic levels to address the situation and ensure the safety and dignity of its nationals.
Nigeria and South Africa share one of Africa’s most strategic bilateral relationships, rooted in a history of solidarity dating back to Nigeria’s support for the anti-apartheid struggle. However, relations have repeatedly come under strain due to recurring outbreaks of xenophobic violence in South Africa.
Notably, major incidents in 2008, 2015, and 2019 saw widespread attacks on foreign nationals, including Nigerians, leading to deaths, looting, and destruction of properties. The 2019 crisis, in particular, sparked a diplomatic row, with Nigeria recalling its High Commissioner and boycotting the World Economic Forum on Africa 2019 in protest.
In response to past crises, both countries established diplomatic mechanisms, including an early warning system and joint consular forums, aimed at preventing further violence and protecting citizens. Despite these measures, sporadic tensions and anti-immigrant sentiments have persisted, often fueled by local grievances over unemployment and crime.
Analysts warned that the current developments, if not swiftly contained, could once again test diplomatic ties between Africa’s two largest economies and undermine regional integration efforts under frameworks such as the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The outcome of Monday’s meeting is therefore seen as crucial in determining whether both nations can de-escalate tensions and reaffirm their commitment to mutual respect, cooperation, and the protection of citizens on both sides.
Nigeria Summons South Africa Envoy Over Renewed Anti-Foreigner Protests, Attacks on Nigerians
Troops Rescue Injured Victim After Attack by Berom militia in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Safe Haven have rescued a civilian who sustained machete injuries following an attack by Berom militia along Bachi–Werreng Road in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 7:20 p.m. on May 1 when suspected criminals attacked the victim along the road.
The sources disclosed that troops of Sector 6, deployed at Bachi, swiftly responded to a distress call and moved to the scene.
According to the sources, the attackers fled upon the arrival of the troops, abandoning the injured victim.
They added that the victim, who sustained machete cuts, was immediately evacuated to a hospital in Rachi for medical treatment.
The sources further said the assailants carted away the victim’s motorcycle during the attack.
They noted that security patrols have been intensified in the area, while efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects.
Troops Rescue Injured Victim After Attack by Berom militia in Plateau
Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims in Kogi
Two Impostors in Military Uniform Arrested in Kaduna
Nigeria Summons South Africa Envoy Over Renewed Anti-Foreigner Protests, Attacks on Nigerians
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