The Cuban president leads a demonstration in Havana denouncing Maduro's arrest
In a new escalation of tensions in the Americas, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel led a massive rally in the capital, Havana, calling on the people of Latin America to "close ranks" and unite in the face of what he described as imperialist arrogance, following the US operation that resulted in the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, a strategic ally of Havana, in a move described by the Cuban government as a "kidnapping".
The socialist leader shouted to the crowds, "People of America, let's unite!" as he led the march called for by the ruling Communist Party to denounce the US "military aggression" against Venezuela. This move comes at a time when relations between Washington and leftist capitals in Latin America are at their lowest point, reminiscent of the Cold War and the ideological conflicts that characterized the latter half of the 20th century.
Significance of place and time
The demonstration took place in the capital's iconic "Anti-Imperialist Platform," a politically charged location opposite the U.S. Embassy in Havana and a historical site of numerous anti-U.S. protests. During his speech, the Cuban president condemned what he called a "brutal and treacherous attack," describing Maduro's arrest as an "unacceptable, blatant, and barbaric kidnapping.".
“No one with even a modicum of knowledge can ignore or downplay the serious repercussions of such criminal acts on regional and global peace,” Diaz-Canel told the thousands of protesters gathered in the square. Observers note that this event could set a dangerous precedent in international relations, as the arrest of a sitting head of state is a breach of traditional diplomatic norms, potentially plunging the region into political and security chaos.
The protesters chanted enthusiastic slogans such as "Down with imperialism," waving Cuban and Venezuelan flags side by side, in a scene reflecting the depth of the alliance forged by the late leaders Fidel Castro and Hugo Chávez. "We are not afraid, and we are ready to face whatever it takes for Venezuela and for Cuba," 52-year-old Yamila Sardoy told AFP, expressing the widespread anger on the island.
US warnings and economic pressures
On the other hand, Washington was quick to respond, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, known for his hardline stance towards leftist regimes in Latin America, stating that the government in Havana should "be worried" after Maduro's arrest, implicitly suggesting that Caracas' allies might be next.
Since returning to the White House, President Donald Trump has intensified the "maximum pressure" campaign against Cuba, re-designating it as a "state sponsor of terrorism," thus tightening the financial noose around the besieged island. Under the weight of these severe sanctions and the structural weaknesses of its economy, Cuba is currently facing its worst economic crisis in 30 years, specifically since the "special period" that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union.
The country is suffering from a severe shortage of hard currency and a significant fuel shortage, which has led to frequent and prolonged power outages and a sharp decline in domestic production. This makes Venezuelan support (oil and financial) a lifeline for Havana and explains Cuba's deep concern about regime change in Caracas.
