U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela as key contributors to a migration crisis in Latin America, calling them “enemies of humanity.” He particularly condemned Nicaragua’s political structure and the regime’s suppression of dissent. In response, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel blamed U.S. policies for exacerbating migration. Rubio’s regional tour included discussions with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele regarding gang member incarceration.
On Tuesday, United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the authoritarian regimes of Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, labeling them as “enemies of humanity” responsible for exacerbating a regional migration crisis. During his visit to Costa Rica, Rubio stated, “If it were not for these three regimes, there would not be a migration crisis in the hemisphere,” attributing the crisis to the failure of their political systems. He emphasized that many individuals are fleeing these countries due to their oppressive governments.
Rubio focused criticism particularly on Nicaragua, highlighting recent changes to the constitution that consolidate power for President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Rosario Murillo. He described Nicaragua as a family dynasty that suppresses religious organizations and punishes dissent. He noted a significant number of Nicaraguans, akin to those fleeing Cuba and Venezuela, are escaping political persecution.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel promptly responded to Rubio’s accusations, condemning the remarks as “shameless” and attributing Cuba’s migrant outflow to the United States’ extensive trade embargo. He asserted, “It is proven that the migration exodus in Cuba is proportional to the tightening of the blockade,” emphasizing the embargo’s detrimental impact on the Cuban population’s access to essential goods. Diaz-Canel further labeled Rubio’s comments as an expression of neofascism.
Following his discussions in Costa Rica, Rubio continued his tour to Guatemala, where he expressed gratitude towards El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele for an initiative involving the incarceration of US citizens convicted of crimes in a newly established mega-prison. Bukele is also reportedly open to accepting deported gang members from various Latin American countries, including Venezuela.
The migration crisis in the Western Hemisphere is a complex issue influenced by several factors, notably the political situations in authoritarian regimes. Countries like Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela have seen significant emigration due to oppressive governance, economic instability, and lack of basic freedoms. The United States has found itself at the crossroads of this crisis, leading officials like Marco Rubio to vocalize their positions on the foreign policies impacting regional stability.
Marco Rubio’s statements underscore the ongoing tensions between the United States and certain Latin American nations characterized by authoritarian governance. He highlights the direct correlation between these regimes and the increasing migration crisis facing the region. Responses from leaders like Miguel Diaz-Canel indicate a powerful counter-narrative that attributes the migration issues to external factors like the U.S. embargo, suggesting deep-seated complexities in the geopolitical landscape.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
