Tons of aid flows into Cuba as humanitarian convoy arrives on the
struggling island
[March 21, 2026]
By ANDREA RODRÍGUEZ
HAVANA (AP) — Some 650 delegates from 33 countries and 120 organizations
began arriving in Cuba on Friday as part of a solidarity caravan
transporting some 20 tons of humanitarian aid as the island grapples
with a severe energy crisis.
Members of “Our America Convoy to Cuba” arrived by air from Italy,
France, Spain, the United States and several Latin American countries,
and more are scheduled to arrive by sea on Saturday in a flotilla of
three vessels from Mexico, organizers reported.
A group of activists arrived in Havana on Wednesday in advance and
delivered donations to hospitals.
The visit comes amid heightened tensions between Cuba and the United
States, whose governments have acknowledged holding talks after U.S.
President Donald Trump imposed an oil embargo. Earlier this week, Trump
said he expected to have the “honor” of “taking Cuba in some form,”
adding: “I can do anything I want.”
Solar panels, food and medicine to treat cancer are among the products
donated to the island, which has been brought to a near standstill since
Trump imposed an energy embargo in January, exacerbating a five-year
economic crisis as his administration pressures for a change in the
political system.
“In the end, we are dozens and dozens of delegates, and we represent
millions of people in this convoy,” said David Adler, a U.S. citizen and
coordinator of Progressive International, one of the caravan’s
organizers. “We cannot allow this collective punishment. We cannot
normalize it.”
Meanwhile, Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío on
Friday refuted comments about a change in the political system or the
potential departure of Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel as part of the
ongoing talks between the two sides.
“The Cuban political system is not up for negotiation, nor is the
president, nor the position of any official in Cuba, subject to
negotiation with the United States or with the government of any other
country,” said Fernández de Cossío.
He noted there are many areas of common interest on which dialogue with
Washington is possible, as has been done in the past.
Manolo de los Santos, of The People’s Forum — another of the caravan’s
organizers — said that going to Cuba at this time is not only “defying
the U.S. blockade,” but also preventing “another Gaza in the Americas."
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Activists from CODEPINK, including co-founder Medea Benjamin,
kneeling center, and others hold signs as part of the "Nuestra
America," or Our America Convoy after landing at the airport in
Havana, Cuba, Friday, March 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)
Several analysts and regional leaders, including Mexican President
Claudia Sheinbaum, have warned of a possible humanitarian crisis in
Cuba.
Adler said that both the flotilla that traveled to Gaza and the one
heading to Cuba share several supporters. In the case of Cuba, in
addition to social activists, unions, prominent figures and
political parties are represented, including Morena from Mexico, the
Workers’ Party of Brazil and the Broad Front of Uruguay.
Some of the figures include British Parliamentarian Jeremy Corbyn;
Colombian Senator Clara López; former Spanish politician Pablo
Iglesias; U.S. labor leader Chris Smalls; and Brazilian humanitarian
activist Thiago Ávila.
After several weeks in which the only aid received by Cuba came from
Mexico, which sent food and hygiene products on three occasions,
activists and leaders in other countries began establishing support
groups and collecting donations.
Díaz-Canel expressed his gratitude on social media.
“They bring shipments of aid to combat the attempt to suffocate us.
Welcome once again to the compassion of the people. Solidarity
always returns to those who practice it with no other interest than
human well-being,” the president stated.
For its part, Brazil announced it would send 20,000 tons of food,
primarily rice, beans and powdered milk. A group of Chilean
parliamentarians also arrived with aid on Thursday, and China
reported through its embassy that a ship carrying 60,000 tons of
rice set sail for Cuba.
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