Nigeria Joins 130 Nations in Renewed UN Push to End US Embargo on Cuba
Nigeria has joined 129 other countries in backing a United Nations resolution calling for the removal of the United States’ decades-long economic, trade and financial embargo on Cuba, despite opposition from Washington and some of its allies.
The resolution was adopted by the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, with 130 countries voting in favour, 17 against and 25 abstaining. Most African countries supported the proposal, while Morocco was the only African nation to vote against it.
The annual resolution, which has been presented before the General Assembly since 1992, reflects growing international opposition to the restrictions imposed on Cuba. Although the vote is not legally binding, it serves as an indication of the position of UN member states on the embargo.
The latest vote comes amid worsening economic and humanitarian conditions in Cuba following additional sanctions introduced by the administration of US President Donald Trump. The measures reportedly affected oil supplies to the island and placed further restrictions on countries involved in selling petroleum to it.
Cuba welcomed the outcome, with its Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodriguez, describing the vote as evidence of Washington’s diplomatic isolation over the policy. The Cuban embassy in the United States also celebrated the support received from member states.
However, US Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, welcomed the countries that opposed the resolution or abstained, arguing that some nations were changing their positions on the issue. He expressed confidence that support for Washington’s approach would continue to grow.
The vote highlights the continuing diplomatic divide over the US embargo, which has remained a major point of contention between Washington, Havana and much of the international community for more than six decades.
