The Cuban singer-songwriter Silvio Rodríguez and the official spokesperson Michel E. Torres Corona sparked controversy on social media after making calls for armed confrontation amidst the escalating political tension between the Cuban regime and the United States.
In a comment posted on his blog Segunda Cita, Silvio Rodríguez wrote: “I demand my AKM, if they launch it. And let it be clear that I'm saying this very seriously”, referring to a potential scenario of U.S. military intervention in Cuba.
The message was shared in the context of a debate generated by an article titled "Cuba at the Crossroads of Hypocritical Multilateralism", by the author Josué Veloz Cerrade.
The reaction of the troubadour was amplified by Michel E. Torres Corona, who in his Facebook profile quoted Rodríguez and added: “And me. We will only give fire. Long live a free Cuba! Homeland or death”, reinforcing the bellicose tone of the exchange.
Verbal escalation from Havana
These statements come after the ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel adopted a defiant tone on Tuesday, stating that “any external aggressor will encounter an impenetrable resistance”.
His statements came in response to a series of recent messages from Washington that have increased pressure on the Cuban regime.
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, labeled Cuba as a “failed nation” and stated that he could intervene.
“If I free her, I take her. I think I can do whatever I want.” Moreover, he emphasized the economic precariousness of the island by stating that the country “has no money, no oil, has nothing.”
For his part, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the Cuban economy “does not work” and suggested that the regime make deep changes in the upper echelons of power. “They need to bring in new leaders. They must change drastically”.
Trump supported Rubio's discussions with the high command of power on the island. He assured that the talks regarding the future of Cuba are ongoing and warned that measures could be announced "very soon."
Reactions and context
The statements from public figures like Rodríguez and Torres reflect the atmosphere of internal tension, where sectors aligned with the government resort to rhetoric of armed resistance in response to a potential foreign intervention.
However, these statements contrast sharply with the daily reality of the country, characterized by a deep economic crisis, shortages of food and basic services, and growing social discontent.
The exchange on social media has also drawn criticism from users who question the promotion of violence by public figures, especially in a context where the civilian population would be the primary affected party in any conflict scenario.
Silvio Rodríguez is 79 years old, and Michel Torres is younger, but he does not have military experience on his resume.
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