GAESA blamed for worsening Cuba's food crisis

Qué pasó

An organization called Food Monitor Program (FMP) has filed a complaint with the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food. They allege that GAESA, the Cuban military conglomerate, is a primary factor worsening the island's food crisis. GAESA reportedly controls foreign currency, imports, and food distribution chains.

Dónde y cuándo

The complaint was presented to the UN in May 2026. The FMP's report focuses on the current economic and food situation within Cuba. It highlights the opaque nature of GAESA's operations, which are managed by the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR).

Por qué es importante

This situation is important because it directly impacts the food security of the Cuban population. The FMP argues that GAESA's control over strategic resources has led to a significant drop in agricultural production. This centralization reportedly prioritizes foreign currency acquisition over national production, increasing dependency on imports for basic consumption.

Qué dicen las partes

The FMP's executive director, Sergio Ángel Baquero, states that the military conglomerate's control has reduced internal production and increased reliance on imports. The report also describes a "commoditization of scarcity," where essential goods are diverted to sales in foreign currency. This limits access for residents while benefiting from remittances. The report cites a 2024 survey indicating widespread loss of purchasing power and food insecurity among Cuban households.

Qué viene ahora

The FMP urges the UN to demand greater economic transparency from the Cuban state, lift restrictions on the agricultural sector, and cease persecution of community initiatives. They also call for investigations into how GAESA's economic and military control contributes to the ongoing food crisis, advocating for structural reforms to ensure food security.