U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has taken a strong stance against the governments of Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua, accusing them of systematic human rights violations and political repression, which he claims contribute significantly to regional instability. His remarks were made during a press conference as part of his tour across several nations, including the Dominican Republic, where he discussed the political crises in these countries and their broader impact on Latin America.
In a broadcast shared by El País on its YouTube channel, Rubio highlighted that over the past decade, Venezuela has forced nearly 8 million citizens to flee the country while the regime continues its brutal crackdown on opposition: "They imprison, torture, and murder innocent people."
Regarding Cuba, Rubio noted that more than 10% of the population has escaped the country, while the regime holds over 500 individuals in detention, including 16-year-olds arrested merely for protesting in the streets.
Turning his attention to Nicaragua, Rubio criticized Daniel Ortega's regime for transforming the nation into a family dynasty and launching severe persecution against any dissent. "Every presidential candidate has been subjected to what can only be described as Nicaraguan injustice," he pointed out, adding that the regime has expelled nuns and waged war against the Catholic Church and all religious figures.
Rubio further warned that the crises in these three countries not only affect their citizens but destabilize the entire region: "All countries have had to bear, to some degree, the instability present in the region," he asserted.
Moreover, he mentioned Venezuela's close cooperation with Iran, Cuba's support for Chinese espionage, and its facilitation of Russia's presence in the area. "I hope for change in those countries, but I don't expect it by December. That's how I describe these regimes because it reflects the reality of their actions," Rubio stated.
He emphasized that while governments can change, achieving this requires clear communication: "Politics works well when we speak clearly, without confusion. And I am not confused."
Rubio's statements come at a pivotal time, as the Dominican Republic is set to host the Summit of the Americas in December 2025, a gathering of continental leaders to discuss political, economic, and security challenges in the region. The Secretary of State stressed that although the summit could serve as a platform to push for democratic changes in these countries, he does not anticipate immediate transformations: "I wish it weren't the case, but it has been this way for far too long, unfortunately."
During a press conference in San José, Costa Rica, Rubio held Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela accountable for the hemisphere's migration crisis, labeling their governments as "enemies of humanity." He noted that these regimes have driven the mass exodus of citizens due to the inefficacy of their political and economic systems.
Understanding the Political Crises in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua
What are the main accusations Marco Rubio has made against Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua?
Marco Rubio has accused these countries' regimes of systematic human rights violations, political repression, and causing regional instability by imprisoning, torturing, and forcing citizens into exile.
How has the political situation in Venezuela affected its citizens?
Venezuela has forced nearly 8 million citizens to flee due to severe repression of opposition, with reports of imprisonment, torture, and murder of innocent individuals by the regime.
What impact does Rubio believe these regimes have on regional stability?
Rubio believes that the crises in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua destabilize the entire region and that all countries are affected by the ensuing instability to some extent.
What events are anticipated in the Dominican Republic concerning these issues?
The Dominican Republic will host the Summit of the Americas in December 2025, where leaders will address political, economic, and security challenges, including the crises in these countries.