A coalition of Nigerian labour and civil society groups has issued a formal condolence to Cuba following the deaths of 32 Cuban citizens during a recent military operation in Venezuela.
The Nigeria Movement of Solidarity with Cuba (NMSC)—which represents various trade unions, intellectuals, and pro-democracy organisations—alleged that the Cubans were killed on 3 January 2026 while defending Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and the country’s sovereignty.
The group blamed the United States for the “superior firepower” used in the incident, which they described as an invasion involving over 100 aircraft.
‘Duty and honour’
In a statement signed by Owei Lakemfa, the NMSC praised the Cubans for refusing to surrender despite being “overwhelmed” by military forces.
“The Cubans preferred to fight and die rather than surrender and give up President Maduro,” the statement read, citing the famous revolutionary maxim: “It is better to die on your feet than live on your knees.”
The movement drew parallels between this event and previous instances of Cuban internationalism, including:
- Grenada (1983): Where Cuban construction workers resisted a US-led invasion.
- Southern Africa (1988): Where thousands of Cubans fought to end the Apartheid regime in Angola and Namibia.
- Global Health: The deployment of thousands of doctors to 46 countries during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Calls for de-escalation
The Nigerian coalition used the occasion to demand a shift in US foreign policy in the region. The group called for the immediate release of President Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and urged Washington to respect the United Nations Charter regarding national sovereignty.
“Humanity deserves peace, progress, and development—not a cycle of conflicts and underdevelopment,” the NMSC stated.
Ending sanctions
The group further joined the long-standing international call for the United States to lift its decades-old embargo on Cuba, noting that the UN General Assembly has voted against the sanctions for over 30 consecutive years.
The NMSC also demanded the removal of unilateral sanctions against Venezuela, arguing that such measures hinder global stability.
The statement concluded with a tribute to the families of the deceased: “We pray that the souls of the Cuban 32 rest in power.”
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