The Cuban movement of Military Conscientious Objectors (MOC), led by exiled General Rafael del Pino, has issued a direct appeal to the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) and the Ministry of the Interior of Cuba. They urge these entities to refrain from suppressing the civilian population and to disregard the authority of the military corporation GAESA, which they accuse of "usurping national sovereignty."
Released through Cuba Siglo 21, the statement portrays the situation on the island as a "severe humanitarian crisis" that, according to the group, is expected to worsen following recent events in Venezuela.
"You have sworn to defend the sovereignty of Cuba, not pledged allegiance to GAESA's oligarchy. Sovereignty rests with the people," the statement signed by Del Pino declares.
The pronouncement calls on the uniformed personnel to "align themselves with the nation" and warns that those who attack civilians on the regime's orders will be deemed "traitors."
"When the people take to the streets again and you are ordered to massacre defenseless citizens, turn your weapons against those giving such orders," the document asserts.
In a passage that has drawn international attention, the MOC suggests that if the United States or other nations decide to protect Cuban demonstrators "from the brute force of the mafia state," the exiled military "extend their hand," reminiscent of the cooperation between the mambises and Theodore Roosevelt's Rough Riders in 1898.
Rafael del Pino, who defected from the Cuban regime in 1987 and now lives in exile, signs the text on behalf of the movement, emphasizing that "it is time for decisions."
The group accuses GAESA, a military conglomerate that controls a significant portion of the national economy, of becoming the true power within the country.
The statement comes shortly after the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (Minfar) posted on social media, claiming that "the enemy will not have a single square meter where they can feel safe, where they are not threatened with being blown up by a mine or caught in an ambush that annihilates them," and that "no enemy will be safe in Cuba."
Additionally, the Cuban regime has reignited its militaristic rhetoric with the launch of the so-called Year of Defense Preparation 2026 within the FAR, a program aimed at "strengthening military invulnerability" and perfecting the "combat employment" of the troops.
Key Questions About GAESA and Cuban Military Dynamics
What is GAESA and why is it significant in Cuba?
GAESA is a military conglomerate in Cuba that controls a large portion of the national economy. It is significant because it holds considerable power and influence over the country's economic resources and operations, which some argue undermines national sovereignty.
Who is Rafael del Pino?
Rafael del Pino is a former Cuban general who defected from the regime in 1987. He is now in exile and is a leading figure in the Military Conscientious Objectors movement, advocating for the Cuban military to side with the people against the regime.
What is the Year of Defense Preparation 2026?
The Year of Defense Preparation 2026 is a program initiated by the Cuban regime aimed at enhancing military readiness and strengthening the combat capabilities of its forces, reflecting a push towards increased militarization.
How does the MOC view international involvement in Cuba?
The MOC has indicated that if international powers, like the United States, choose to intervene to protect Cuban protesters from the regime's violent forces, they would welcome such cooperation, similar to historical alliances.