U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the governments of Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, blaming them for a significant migration crisis affecting the region. He articulated that a lack of effective governance in these nations contributes to the exodus of their citizens. In response, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel refuted Rubio’s claims by attributing Cuba’s migration issues to the U.S. embargo. Rubio’s tour across Latin America also highlighted collaborative efforts to manage migration, including proposals from El Salvador’s president.
In a recent visit to Costa Rica, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio denounced the authoritarian governments of Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, labeling them as “enemies of humanity” responsible for a widespread migration crisis. While addressing the media, he asserted that without these regimes, migration issues in the Western Hemisphere would not exist, attributing this plight to ineffective governmental systems that fail to serve their citizens adequately.
Specifically, Rubio criticized Nicaragua’s political landscape, where President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Rosario Murillo, hold extensive control, likening it to a family dynasty. He emphasized that the repression faced by Nicaraguans is similar to that experienced by people fleeing Cuba and Venezuela, highlighting the increasing exodus of citizens seeking better conditions elsewhere.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel responded to Rubio’s accusations by challenging the U.S. narrative. In a remarks posted online, he attributed the migration crisis from Cuba to the longstanding U.S. economic embargo, claiming that as restrictions tighten, the outflow of migrants increases. He accused U.S. politicians of “shamelessness” for blaming the regime instead of addressing the embargo’s consequences.
During his Latin American tour, Rubio showed appreciation for El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, who proposed housing U.S. convicts within a controversial prison built for gang members. Bukele expressed his willingness to accept deported gang members from various countries, including Venezuela, as part of broader regional cooperation efforts to address migration and security issues.
The ongoing migration crisis in the Americas has intensified over the years, resulting in significant movement of people from countries like Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. These nations have been characterized by authoritarian governance, economic hardship, and human rights violations, which have led to widespread dissatisfaction among their populations. As the U.S. grapples with an influx of migrants at its southern border, political leaders are seeking to assign responsibility for these outflows, often pointing to the detrimental effects of these regimes on their citizens’ lives.
Rubio’s remarks underscore the complex interplay of governance, migration, and international relations in the Americas. The continued struggle for political freedom in Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela remains a pressing issue influencing migration patterns. Both U.S. officials and regional leaders are engaging in a war of words regarding the root causes of migration as they attempt to navigate diplomatic relations and address challenges compounded by historical and contemporary grievances.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
