Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, urged African nations to support Cuba against intensified United States sanctions. He issued the call in a statement on February 24, 2026. Falana described the measures as economic strangulation that violated Cubas sovereignty and humanitarian norms.
Background on Sanctions
The United States imposed new restrictions after capturing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. President Donald Trump threatened to remove Cubas socialist government. Meanwhile authorities blocked oil imports to Cuba. This action caused fuel shortages, blackouts, and higher prices for food and medicine.
Falana stated, In addition to the blockade of over 60 years, President Trump moved to block oil from reaching Cuba, pushing up prices for food, medicine, transportation and prompting severe fuel shortages and hours of blackouts.
Cubas Contributions to Africa
Falana emphasized Cubas role in African independence struggles. He argued that this history obligated African countries to assist Havana.
Specifically he declared, Having regard to the unqualified contribution of Cuba to the independence struggle of the African people, all African countries owe it a duty to assist Cuba to defend its sovereignty under international law.
Appeal for Humanitarian Aid
Furthermore, Falana called for donations following Hurricane Melissa in October 2025. He urged, In view of the Hurricane Melissa that swept across the eastern provinces of Cuba last October, all African and Latin American countries should donate funds and relief materials to Cuba.
Meanwhile the United States provided $6 million in food supplies and $3 million in disaster relief through non-governmental channels.
Legal Critique and African Union Stance
Falana cited a 2026 United States Supreme Court ruling that deemed tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act unconstitutional.
He explained, The implication of the historic judgment is that President Trumps recent Executive Order imposing tariffs on countries selling oil to Cuba under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act is illegal, null and void having exceeded the Presidents constitutional authority.
Additionally, the African Union demanded an end to the sanctions, but the United States ignored the call.
