Namibia Condemns Reinstatement of Cuba on U.S. Terrorism List. The Namibian government has expressed its strong disapproval of U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to reclassify Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism.
Ambassador Penda Naanda, executive director of Namibia’s Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, criticized the move as a reversal of progress made under former President Joe Biden. On January 14, 2025, Biden had signed an executive order removing Cuba from the list, a step toward improving U.S.-Cuba relations.
In a formal statement, Naanda described Trump’s action as “disappointing and counterproductive,” arguing that it does not contribute to combating international terrorism but instead delays diplomatic normalization between the two nations.
“Namibia has consistently supported dialogue between the United States and Cuba, recognizing its potential to address longstanding political differences,” Naanda said. He called on the U.S. to pursue a foreign policy grounded in cooperation and mutual respect rather than unilateral measures.
Naanda emphasized that threats and coercion should not define international relations, urging the U.S. to foster positive engagement with Cuba for peaceful coexistence.
Controversial Executive Actions
Trump’s decision to reinstate Cuba on the terrorism list was among several controversial measures enacted on his first day back in office. Other executive orders included rolling back protections for transgender individuals, halting diversity and inclusion initiatives, closing the southern border to immigrants, and declaring a national energy emergency to prioritize fossil fuel infrastructure
Under one order, Trump restricted federal recognition to two sexes—male and female—eliminating federally funded gender transition services and blocking government facilities from using affirming pronouns. Another decree ended diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in federal agencies, with Trump advocating a return to merit-based systems.
Trump also withdrew the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement, ceased federal leasing for wind farms, and announced plans to increase fossil fuel production and exports while replenishing strategic reserves.
Global Backlash
These actions have drawn sharp criticism from civil rights and environmental groups, who argue that Trump’s policies undermine years of progress. Many see the reinstatement of Cuba on the terrorism list as a step backward for diplomacy, hindering reconciliation efforts between the two countries.
Namibia’s condemnation of the move reflects growing international concern about the broader implications of Trump’s executive decisions. Ambassador Naanda reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to fostering constructive international relations based on respect, dialogue, and collaboration to address global challenges.
