Namibia has condemned the decision by United States’ president Donald Trump to reinstate Cuba on the US list of state sponsors of terrorism, describing it as a setback for diplomatic progress.

In a media statement issued on Tuesday, executive director in the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, Ambassador Penda Naanda described the move as “disappointing,” saying it contradicts the decision made by former US president Joe Biden on 14 January 2025 to remove Cuba from the list.

He said the reinstatement does not reflect a genuine effort to combat terrorism, but instead serves as a tactic to delay the normalisation of diplomatic ties between the United States and Cuba.

“The US and Cuba must pursue dialogue as a means to resolve longstanding political differences. International relations must be guided by cooperation and not by threats and unilateral coercive measures,” he emphasised.

He further encouraged the US to adopt a positive foreign policy approach toward Cuba to foster peaceful co-existence between the neighbouring nations.

Naanda went on to reiterate Namibia’s commitment to principles of international diplomacy, and urged the US to reconsider its stance. -Nampa