While I write these lines, I am on a train to Milan Malpensa airport, from where I will depart in a few hours for Cuba with the European Convoy for Cuba – the air contingent of the Nuestra América Convoy, an international solidarity initiative promoted by a global coalition of associations, trade unions, and other social and political organisations. I am taking part as an activist with Mediterranea Saving Humans, a civil maritime rescue organisation, and within the broader framework of my scholar-activism.

We are setting off because we believe it is impossible to stand by and watch. After more than sixty years of United States embargo, its tightening imposed under the Trump administration has become an unbearable form of collective punishment in the daily lives of millions of people. It is a criminal choice, contrary to the most basic ethical principles and to social justice, not to mention international law. It is paralysing the country: schools and universities are being forced to close, water often no longer runs in people’s homes, and the risk of health crises and epidemics is increasing. Hospitals, already under strain, are struggling to guarantee even the most basic services. At this very moment, it appears that the island’s entire electricity system has collapsed.

Each of us is carrying two boxes of essential medicines, including oncology drugs and medical supplies, collected over recent weeks thanks to the generosity of thousands of people across Europe. In total, we will bring five tonnes of material. This is only a small drop in the ocean, as the bulk of the aid will follow in containers. In the coming days, we will meet with various organisations and communities across the island, helping to prepare the ground for the arrival of the rest of the Convoy by sea from the Mexican coast (currently expected on 21 March). There will be further solidarity activities and moments of witnessing and exchange.

Being present in Cuba at this moment is essential in order to offer concrete solidarity to the Cuban people – an enduring example of internationalist solidarity – and to reaffirm our opposition to the idea that international relations can be governed by the law of the strongest, starving an entire people into submission.

Cuba no está sola, Cuba is not alone.

Federico Alagna