Windhoek: The Pan African Women's Organisation (PAWO) has issued a strong condemnation against the United States government's recent sanctions targeting Cuba, labeling these actions as a deliberate destabilization effort.

According to Namibia Press Agency, PAWO President Eunice Ipinge released a media statement on Monday, aligning the organization with peace-loving nations and organizations in denouncing what she described as escalating hostility from U.S. President Donald Trump's administration. The sanctions involve proposed tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, which PAWO criticized as unwarranted brinkmanship aimed at subjugating the Cuban people who are already grappling with a long-standing U.S. economic blockade.

Ipinge argued that these proposed tariffs represent a direct violation of Cuba's sovereignty and are in contravention of international law, the United Nations Charter, and the African Union Charter. She called on the international community, especially women, to show solidarity with Cuba and demand an end to the threats and hostilities.

The decades-long economic blockade has resulted in severe shortages of essential goods such as food, medicine, and fuel, disproportionately impacting women and children. Ipinge highlighted the increased burden on women, with families facing the financial strain of seeking medical treatment abroad due to a lack of resources domestically, while some children suffer from treatable and preventable illnesses.

Cuban Ambassador to Namibia, Sergio Vigoa de la Uz, expressed appreciation for the African Union's recent joint resolution rejecting the economic, commercial, and financial blockade against Cuba. The resolution was approved during the 38th ordinary session of the AU assembly in Ethiopia.

Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel also conveyed gratitude on social media for the African Heads of State and Government's adoption of the resolution condemning the US blockade and the inclusion of Cuba on the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism.