Mexico City – Former Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has broken his self-imposed retirement from public life to voice strong support for Cuba amid a deepening economic crisis on the island. López Obrador is calling for international solidarity and has urged Mexican citizens to contribute to a fundraising effort aimed at providing essential aid to the Cuban people. The move comes as Cuba faces severe shortages of fuel, food, and medicine, exacerbated by ongoing restrictions imposed by the United States.
The former president, often referred to as AMLO, announced his decision to speak out on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, March 14, 2026. His intervention highlights the continued significance of Cuba in Mexican foreign policy and echoes his administration’s historically close ties with the Caribbean nation. López Obrador’s call for donations specifically targets the purchase of vital supplies, including food, medicine, petroleum, and gasoline, to alleviate the hardship faced by Cubans. This action underscores a long-standing commitment to regional solidarity and non-interventionist principles that characterized his presidency.
A Call for Solidarity and Financial Assistance
In a post on X, López Obrador expressed his distress over what he perceives as an attempt to “exterminate” the Cuban people due to their commitment to ideals of freedom and sovereignty. He wrote, “Estoy en retiro, pero me hiere que busquen exterminar, por sus ideales de libertad y defensa de la soberanía, al hermano pueblo de Cuba.” (I am in retirement, but it hurts me that they seek to exterminate, for their ideals of freedom and defense of sovereignty, the brotherly people of Cuba.) He invoked the memory of General Lázaro Cárdenas, a former Mexican president, and his response to the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion, reminding those who might see the situation as a foreign affair that Cuba’s fate is intertwined with Mexico’s own. Cárdenas famously stated, “No es lícito preconizar nuestra indiferencia ante su heroica lucha, porque su suerte es la nuestra.” (It is not lawful to preach our indifference to their heroic struggle, because their fate is ours.)
Estoy en retiro, pero me hiere que busquen exterminar, por sus ideales de libertad y defensa de la soberanía, al hermano pueblo de Cuba.
A quienes piensan que se trata de un pleito ajeno, les recuerdo lo que dijo el general Cárdenas cuando fue la invasión de playa Girón: «No es…
— Andrés Manuel (@lopezobrador_) March 15, 2026
To facilitate aid, López Obrador directed citizens to deposit funds into account number 1358451779 at Banorte, held by the civil association “Humanidad con América Latina.” This association, he explained, was established by citizens, writers, and journalists specifically for the purpose of procuring essential goods for Cuba. He urged everyone to contribute what they could, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The account was initially promoted by the Mexican newspaper La Jornada in recent days, indicating a coordinated effort to mobilize support.
The Context of Cuba’s Economic Crisis
Cuba is currently grappling with a severe economic crisis, largely attributed to the decades-long U.S. Embargo and recent disruptions in fuel supplies. El Financiero reported that Cuba has lamented not receiving “a drop” of petroleum for three months, leading to shortages of diesel and fuel oil. These shortages have had a cascading effect, impacting transportation, electricity generation, and agricultural production. The lack of fuel likewise hinders the delivery of essential goods and services, further exacerbating the hardship faced by the Cuban population.
The U.S. Embargo, first imposed in 1962, restricts trade and financial transactions with Cuba, limiting its access to vital resources and hindering economic development. While there have been periods of easing, the embargo remains largely in place, and recent administrations have tightened restrictions, particularly concerning fuel shipments. Venezuela, a key ally of Cuba, has also faced challenges in maintaining consistent petroleum supplies, further compounding the crisis. The current situation represents a significant challenge to the Cuban government and its ability to provide for its citizens.
Mexico’s Historical Ties with Cuba
López Obrador’s vocal support for Cuba is consistent with his administration’s broader foreign policy approach, which prioritizes regional solidarity and non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations. During his presidency, which concluded in late 2024, he actively sought to strengthen ties with Cuba, reversing a period of relative distance that characterized previous administrations. Infobae noted that in May 2022, López Obrador visited Havana and was awarded the Order of José Martí, Cuba’s highest honor for foreigners, by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel. This visit symbolized a renewed commitment to bilateral cooperation and mutual respect.
The historical relationship between Mexico and Cuba dates back to the early 20th century, with Mexico providing political asylum to Cuban revolutionaries, including Fidel Castro, after the 1959 Cuban Revolution. Mexico has consistently opposed the U.S. Embargo and advocated for a diplomatic solution to the Cuban crisis. López Obrador’s recent intervention underscores this long-standing tradition of solidarity and reflects his continued concern for the well-being of the Cuban people.
Recent Initiatives to Support Cuba
Mexico’s support for Cuba extends beyond López Obrador’s personal appeal. Since February 2026, various collectives and activists in Mexico have been organizing campaigns to gather aid for the island, responding to the escalating humanitarian situation. These initiatives include collecting food, medicine, and other essential supplies to be shipped to Cuba. The fundraising account promoted by López Obrador builds upon these existing efforts, providing a centralized mechanism for citizens to contribute financially.
The Cuban embassy in Mexico has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from Mexican citizens and for López Obrador’s gesture of solidarity. As reported by El Universal, Cuban Ambassador Eugenio Martínez Enríquez thanked the former president, stating that the Cuban people feel accompanied by their Mexican brothers and sisters.
The situation in Cuba remains precarious, and the long-term impact of the economic crisis is uncertain. However, the renewed focus on international solidarity, spearheaded by López Obrador’s call to action, offers a glimmer of hope for the Cuban people as they navigate these challenging times. The success of the fundraising effort and the continued support from Mexico will be crucial in alleviating the immediate hardship and fostering a path towards recovery.
The next significant development to watch will be the response to the fundraising campaign and the delivery of aid to Cuba. Updates on the amount of funds raised and the distribution of supplies will likely be provided by the “Humanidad con América Latina” association in the coming weeks. Individuals interested in contributing can deposit funds into Banorte account number 1358451779. Further information and updates on the situation in Cuba can be found through reputable international news organizations and humanitarian aid agencies.
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