31/01/2026
STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY BY THE ZIMBABWE ANTI-SANCTIONS TRUST (ZAST)
ON THE ESCALATION OF THE UNITED STATES ECONOMIC BLOCKADE AGAINST CUBA
The Zimbabwe Anti-Sanctions Trust (ZAST) expresses its unwavering solidarity with the Government and people of Cuba following the latest escalation of the United States’ illegal, immoral, and inhumane economic blockade, particularly the attempt to impose a total blockade on fuel supplies to the island.
ZAST strongly condemns the executive order issued by the President of the United States on 29 January 2026, which falsely declares a so-called “national emergency” and seeks to intimidate and punish sovereign states for engaging in lawful trade with Cuba. This unilateral action represents a dangerous intensification of economic warfare and an open attempt to coerce third countries through threats, blackmail, and extraterritorial sanctions.
The justification advanced by the United States government—branding Cuba as an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to U.S. national security—is patently false, irrational, and offensive to the intelligence of the international community. Such fabrications are not only devoid of credibility but reveal a persistent contempt for truth, international law, and ethical governance in the pursuit of imperial domination.
ZAST notes with deep concern that this executive order constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, including the principles of sovereign equality, non-interference in the internal affairs of states, and the right of nations to freely choose their economic and political systems. It also undermines the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, and further exposes the United States as a primary source of instability, coercion, and aggression in the Global South.
For more than six decades, the United States has failed to subjugate or dismantle the Cuban Revolution through economic strangulation, political isolation, and relentless propaganda. Despite these hostile measures, Cuba has remained a beacon of sovereignty, social justice, international solidarity, and peaceful cooperation—providing medical assistance, education, and humanitarian support to countries across the world, including Africa.
As a people who have themselves endured the destructive impact of illegal unilateral sanctions, Zimbabweans fully understand the human cost of economic warfare. We therefore reject, without reservation, the use of sanctions as a tool of collective punishment designed to inflict suffering on innocent populations in order to achieve political ends.
ZAST affirms that Cuba poses no threat to any nation. On the contrary, it has consistently demonstrated its commitment to peace, dialogue, mutual respect, and international cooperation. The resilience and courage of the Cuban people stand as a powerful reminder that no amount of economic pressure can break the will of a people determined to defend their sovereignty and dignity.
We call upon the international community, progressive movements, civil society organizations, and all peace-loving nations to reject this escalation, demand the immediate and unconditional lifting of the U.S. blockade against Cuba, and oppose all forms of unilateral coercive measures wherever they are imposed.
History has shown that imperial aggression ultimately fails, while solidarity, justice, and self-determination prevail.
Cuba is not alone. Zimbabwe stands with Cuba.
An injury to one is an injury to all.
Homeland or Death – We Shall Overcome.
Issued by:
Zimbabwe Anti-Sanctions Trust (ZAST)
Harare
31 January 2026
