Mexico City – Former Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has stepped out of retirement to voice strong support for Cuba as the island nation faces a deepening economic crisis. López Obrador, widely known as AMLO, has called on Mexican citizens to contribute to a fundraising campaign aimed at providing essential aid to the Cuban people, citing concerns over what he describes as attempts to undermine their sovereignty.
The crisis in Cuba stems from a tightening of the U.S. Economic blockade, which restricts access to crucial resources, including hydrocarbons. This has led to widespread energy shortages and hardship for the Cuban population. López Obrador’s intervention marks a significant moment, given his previous commitment to strengthening ties with Cuba during his presidency (2018-2024).
In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter) on March 15, 2026, López Obrador stated, “I am in retirement, but it pains me deeply that they seek to exterminate—because of their ideals of freedom and their defense of sovereignty—the brotherly people of Cuba.” The former president urged Mexicans to donate to a bank account established by the civil association Humanidad con América Latina (Humanity with Latin America), an initiative led by staff and contributors of the Mexican newspaper La Jornada. The account number is 1358451779 at Banorte.
López Obrador’s statement echoes historical sentiments within Mexican political discourse regarding solidarity with Cuba. He referenced General Cárdenas’s stance during the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion, quoting, “It is not right to advocate for our indifference toward their heroic struggle, for their fate is our own.” This historical parallel underscores López Obrador’s belief in a shared destiny and mutual support between Mexico and Cuba.
During his time in office, López Obrador actively worked to rebuild relations with Cuba, which had experienced a period of cooling under previous administrations (PAN and PRI). A high point of this renewed relationship was his visit to Havana in May 2022, where he was awarded the Order of José Martí, Cuba’s highest honor for a foreign dignitary, by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel. This award recognized López Obrador’s dedication to strengthening bilateral ties and his unwavering support for Cuba’s sovereignty.
The fundraising effort is intended to provide Cuba with essential supplies, including food, medicine, oil, and gasoline, to alleviate the impact of the ongoing shortages. The initiative is being driven by citizens, writers, and journalists who recognize the urgent need for assistance. It’s essential to note that the U.S. Embargo on Cuba, first imposed in 1962, remains a contentious issue, with critics arguing it exacerbates economic hardship for the Cuban people.
López Obrador’s decision to publicly support Cuba and mobilize aid, despite being retired from political life, highlights the enduring importance he places on regional solidarity and the defense of national sovereignty. His actions are likely to resonate throughout Latin America, where historical ties and shared political ideologies often foster a sense of collective responsibility.
The situation in Cuba remains fluid, and the effectiveness of the fundraising campaign will depend on the level of public participation. However, López Obrador’s intervention has already drawn attention to the plight of the Cuban people and sparked a renewed debate about the impact of the U.S. Economic blockade. For those seeking to contribute, the designated Banorte account number is 1358451779, under the name Humanidad con América Latina.
The next update regarding this initiative is expected within the coming weeks, as organizers assess the initial response to the fundraising appeal and coordinate the delivery of aid to Cuba. Further information will be available through La Jornada and on López Obrador’s social media channels.
