The Cuban government has requested that Mexico keep information about humanitarian aid shipments to the island confidential for five years, contending that releasing such details could enable dissident groups to sabotage distribution efforts.
This disclosure was made by the Mexican newspaper El Universal, which referenced official documents from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE). These documents indicate that the request was communicated via a diplomatic note addressed to the Mexican government.
According to the report, Cuban authorities claimed that the arrival of aid has spurred the emergence of "dissidents" and "antagonistic groups" allegedly spreading information to incite public organization, disrupt donations, and even seize them.
The document warns that publicizing these details could lead to "social chaos, ungovernability, and insurgency by strike groups," in a nation already suffering from an internal crisis.
Furthermore, the administration of Miguel Díaz-Canel argued that disclosing these details could harm Mexico's international image and damage diplomatic relations, defending confidentiality as a measure of "human security" rather than a lack of transparency.
In recent months, Mexico has dispatched at least four shipments of aid to Cuba—comprising food and medicine—exceeding 3,100 tons aimed at the civilian population.
Nevertheless, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum publicly refuted this account, denying that her government concealed information at Havana's request. During her daily briefing, she asserted that Mexico "has nothing to hide" and expressed pride in supporting the Cuban people.
"Cuba has never asked Mexico to withhold information," declared the leader, labeling the Mexican media's report as "false," as reported by the EFE agency.
Sheinbaum emphasized that her administration maintains transparent records of exports and the aid sent, highlighting that the support for Cuba aligns with her country's diplomatic tradition.
The discrepancy between the official documents cited by the Mexican press and the public stance of the government raises new questions about the management of international aid to Cuba, amid a crisis that continues to directly impact millions of families on the island.
Questions About Mexico's Humanitarian Aid to Cuba
What was the reason behind Cuba's request to keep aid details secret?
Cuba asked for secrecy regarding aid details fearing that the disclosure could empower dissident groups to disrupt distribution efforts.
How did Claudia Sheinbaum respond to the allegations?
Claudia Sheinbaum denied the allegations, asserting that Mexico has nothing to hide and that Cuba never requested information to be withheld.
What impact could the release of aid details have, according to Cuba?
Cuban authorities warned that releasing aid details could lead to social chaos, unrest, and insurgency from organized groups.