Namibia Urges US to Remove Cuba from 'State Sponsors of Terrorism' List

Namibia's Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation has called on the United States to remove Cuba from its 'State Sponsors of Terrorism' (SST) list. The ministry argues that the designation imposes unjustified economic hardship on Cuba and excludes it from vital international aid and trade.

Cuba remains on the SST list despite recent developments that include its removal from the Not Fully Cooperating Countries (NFCC) list in 2023. The NFCC list removal was a result of Cuba's resumption of law enforcement cooperation with the US on counterterrorism issues.

Why this matters: The removal of Cuba from the SST list could have significant implications for the country's economy and its relations with the international community. It could also set a precedent for re-evaluating the criteria for designating countries as state sponsors of terrorism.

Cuba was initially designated as an SST in 1982 for providing support to guerrilla groups and individual terrorists. This designation was rescinded in 2015 after a thorough review found that Cuba met the necessary criteria to be removed from the list. However, the designation was reinstated during the Trump administration.

The SST designation carries significant economic and diplomatic consequences. Countries on this list face exclusion from international aid and trade, which has severely impacted Cuba's economy. Namibia's Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation highlights these economic hardships as a primary reason for urging the US to reconsider Cuba's status.

In 2021, Cuba faced a triple crisis due to the US embargo, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the fusion of its dual currency system. Despite initial hopes that the Biden administration would repeal the measures imposed by Trump, the pressure on Cuba's economy has only increased.

The US decision to maintain Cuba's status as a 'state sponsor of terrorism' has been rejected by most governments but is increasingly recognized by European banks and insurance companies due to US sanctions. This status has led to economic hardship and exclusion from international aid and trade for Cuba.

Namibia's Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation emphasizes that the continued designation of Cuba as an SST is unjustified and calls for its removal to alleviate the economic hardships faced by the Cuban people. The ministry's stance reflects a broader call for a reassessment of US foreign policy towards Cuba.

In summary, Namibia's appeal to the US highlights the significant economic and diplomatic impact of Cuba's SST designation. The call for removal underscores the need for a reassessment of the criteria and implications of such designations in the context of evolving international relations.

Key Takeaways

• Namibia urges US to remove Cuba from "State Sponsors of Terrorism" list.
• Cuba's designation imposes economic hardship and excludes it from aid and trade.
• Removal could have significant implications for Cuba's economy and international relations.
• Cuba was initially designated in 1982, removed in 2015, and reinstated during Trump's administration.
• Namibia's appeal highlights need for reassessment of US foreign policy towards Cuba.