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A Cuban-American identified as Carlos Castro Alvarez sent an open letter to Miguel Díaz-Canel and to "those who currently hold real power in Cuba," calling for a political transition that is "orderly, discussed, without traumatic breakages," and offering himself as a mediator between the regime and all parts of the Cuban nation.
The letter, sent directly to the editorial office of CiberCuba, was signed by someone who describes themselves as a Cuban who lived for 36 years on the island and has spent more than two decades in the diaspora, with “real and vibrant ties on both sides of the Florida Strait.”
The tone of the letter is not one of confrontation, but rather one of urgency.
"Cuba is not in crisis: Cuba is fatigued. Fatigued economically, socially, morally, and spiritually," writes Castro, in a description that aligns with the reality faced by the population: blackouts lasting over 20 hours daily in some areas, shortages of food and medicine, and a massive exodus of young people and professionals that shows no signs of stopping.
The author directly addresses the government: "The question is not whether change will come. The question is whether you will choose to be a part of that change… or its final obstacle."
Castro offers himself as a "interlocutor, facilitator, or mediator" to open channels of dialogue, and clarifies that he does not represent hidden interests.
"I represent a conviction: Cuba needs to find itself," he asserts, quoting José Martí — "With everyone and for the good of everyone" — as the guiding principle of his proposal.
The letter arrives at a time of unusual diplomatic activity. On March 13, Díaz-Canel publicly confirmed that his government is holding talks with U.S. representatives, driven by pressure from the Trump administration in the context of a severe energy crisis.
That same day, Cuba released 51 prisoners, although the regime portrayed it as a "sovereign practice" without external impositions.
However, on April 22, Díaz-Canel categorically ruled out any negotiations that involve a regime change: "If the United States does not agree to negotiate on Cuban terms, there will be no negotiation."
This stance directly contrasts with Castro Alvarez's call for an inclusive political transition.
The letter is part of a tradition of open letters addressed to the ruler from various sectors. The opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer, from UNPACU, demanded immediate democratic transition in February, even proposing a "surgical international action" by the United States as an alternative to non-violent change.
In January, Ferrer had already warned Díaz-Canel: "Move quickly, release the political prisoners" before it’s too late.
What distinguishes Castro Alvarez's letter is precisely its moderate tone in contrast to that more confrontational context, at a time when the Cuban exile community is deeply divided on how to approach negotiations between Washington and Havana.
The author concludes his letter with a warning that encapsulates the spirit of the entire text: "History is watching. The people are waiting. This time, time is not on the side of inaction. The decision is yours."
The letter does not specify whether Castro Alvarez has received any response from the regime, nor if his offer of mediation has been communicated through official channels.
Meanwhile, the internal crisis in Cuba continues to deepen, with a decline in tourism of 9.2% in January 2026 and a reduction of over 40% in travel by Cubans from the United States.
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