For those who arrived at a young age to be trained as technicians and professionals in various Cuban provinces and who call themselves “Ethiopian-Cubans,” the visit by the president of the Cuban Friendship Institute (ICAP), Fernando Gonzalez Llort, is an opportune opportunity to learn about the current situation in their second homeland and to strengthen solidarity.

During a meeting at the Cuban embassy in Addis Ababa, Gonzalez Llort stated that the lack of fuel and lubricants, the impossibility of obtaining external financing due to inclusion on the spurious US list of countries sponsoring terrorism, among other causes, jeopardize the Caribbean nation’s energy stability.

In this regard, he mentioned the recent collapse of the National Electric System and, considering previous experiences, explained how its recovery was possible in the shortest possible time with the implementation of independent energy circuits for the start-up of thermoelectric plants.

This, along with other difficulties, raised awareness among Ethiopian-Cuban representatives of several solidarity associations who share the problems currently affecting Cuba, and they agreed to establish a coordinating committee to organize the shipment of medicines and other supplies.

Tedy Mekonnen, a young radiologist trained in the eastern province of Guantanamo, delivered several medications to the visiting delegation, which also included ICAP’s Africa Director, Yahimi Rodriguez Flores, and called for the shipment of more supplies to help alleviate the shortcomings in the Cuban health sector.

Gonzalez Llort also took the opportunity to launch the campaign in Ethiopia for the centennial of the birth of Fidel Castro, the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, scheduled to run from August 13th to the same date in 2026. He considered this a favorable opportunity to further strengthen the solidarity and ties that unite the two peoples.

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