Ecuador's President, Daniel Noboa, has called for a more decisive international response to the ongoing crisis in Cuba. He dismissed both military intervention and humanitarian aid as solutions, instead advocating for "political support" as the best path forward for the island.
Speaking at the Atlantic Council think tank in Washington, Noboa made these remarks during the last of his two-day official visit to the U.S. capital, as reported by Diario Libre.
"I'm not overly optimistic about the situation. The international community must adopt a firmer stance here. It's one thing to respect another country's political system, but it's entirely different to stand idly by while people are starving," Noboa stated.
When questioned about the right-wing calls for military intervention and left-wing advocacy for humanitarian support, Noboa rejected both. "Humanitarian aid, which would leave the military regime unchanged, isn't the answer. Political assistance is the ideal middle ground," he explained.
Although Noboa expressed little optimism about a peaceful resolution to the regime's rule, he remains hopeful that Havana's leaders will step down without resorting to violence.
Noboa's statements come amid heightened pressure from the Trump administration on Cuba. On May 2, Trump signed an executive order intensifying sanctions on Cuba's energy, defense, mining, and finance sectors, with over 240 new sanctions imposed since January 2026. Trump has even suggested that the U.S. would "take Cuba almost immediately" after completing operations in Iran.
The humanitarian crisis on the island adds to the complexity of the situation. According to the Food Monitor Program, by April 2026, 96.91% of the Cuban population lacked adequate food access, and one in three families experienced hunger in 2025.
The most direct diplomatic clash between Noboa and the Cuban regime occurred in March 2026, when Ecuador expelled the entire Cuban diplomatic mission from Quito, citing "significant interference" in political and violent activities. In response, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez accused Noboa of "blatant lying" and "obvious servility" towards Washington.
At the same Atlantic Council event, Noboa also addressed the situation in Venezuela, advocating for "free elections" following the U.S.-backed ousting of Nicolás Maduro in January 2026 and Delcy Rodríguez's rise as interim president.
"She doesn't particularly like me, which I consider a good thing. I just hope free elections are held in Venezuela soon," he commented, adding that the Venezuelan people "simply need the chance to choose their own future. That's democracy."
Noboa's visit to Washington will conclude with a speech at the Organization of American States and meetings at the Inter-American Development Bank, coinciding with President Trump's trip to China.
Cuba's Political and Humanitarian Crisis: Key Questions Answered
What is Daniel Noboa's stance on the Cuban crisis?
Daniel Noboa advocates for political support as the solution to Cuba's crisis, rejecting military intervention and humanitarian aid.
What recent actions has the U.S. taken regarding Cuba?
The Trump administration has intensified sanctions on key Cuban sectors, adding over 240 new sanctions since January 2026.
How severe is the humanitarian crisis in Cuba?
As of April 2026, nearly 97% of Cubans lacked adequate food access, with a third of families experiencing hunger in 2025.