News · International
Southern Command chief joins Rubio's call and the PCC replies that «understanding is always possible»
General Francis L. Donovan wrote on 24 October that «Cuba's future belongs to those who act» and shared the CIA's Spanish-language guide. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez rejected the «thirst for domination» and Communist Party leader Roberto Morales Ojeda extended «a hand to understanding».
The head of the United States Southern Command, Marine Corps General Francis L. Donovan, published a call to Cubans on Saturday on the military command's official account: «Cuba's future belongs to those who act. Seize the moment and build the change you want to see». He added: «Enough of broken promises, rampant corruption or tolerating an elite that lives in luxury while citizens are ignored. Now is the time».
The message backs that of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who a day earlier invited Cubans to create «positive change» through a «discreet partnership with the CIA». Donovan also shared the Spanish-language guide that the Central Intelligence Agency released on Friday.
Also on Friday, President Donald Trump referred to Cuba at a Republican rally in Fort Myers, Florida, ahead of the 3 November legislative elections: «We are coming back from Iran. Those beautiful ships will pass by Cuba. We will have one of them stop about 50 yards off the coast», he said, and added: «They will raise their hands, and then we are going to send Marco Rubio in to close the deal».
Cuba's foreign minister, Bruno Rodríguez, dismissed those remarks: «We reject any threat about US ambitions towards Cuba. On our coasts there are beautiful beaches, but also dogtooth rock, inhospitable for those who arrive with hostile aims and a thirst for domination», he said, in remarks translated by Yamacoa. Shortly afterwards, the organization secretary of the Communist Party's Central Committee, Roberto Morales Ojeda, used a more conciliatory tone: «History shows us that understanding is always possible over confrontation», and said Cuba «once again extends a hand to understanding between the two nations, to multilateral cooperation and to building spaces for dialogue for mutual benefit, always on the basis of mutual respect and reciprocity».
The CIA guide brings together ways to make contact, digital protection measures and the information it asks of those who want to collaborate: where the person is, their occupation, the access they have to information of interest and a way to be contacted afterwards. Before explaining the procedures, the agency asks people to weigh the circumstances and the risks of getting in touch, recommends avoiding devices or connections linked to the sender's identity or workplace, and mentions the use of a browser and of a virtual private network.
Donovan visited Guantanamo Bay Naval Station this month, where he reviewed the unmanned systems deployed in support of Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere. On 29 May 2026 he had held an unusual exchange with senior Cuban commanders at the edge of the base, among them General Roberto Legrá Sotolongo, first deputy minister of the General Staff; both sides described the meeting as positive. Weeks later, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said from the same base that «whatever happens, the Department of War will be prepared and ready for any contingency that may arise».
Sources: Martí Noticias · Periódico Cubano
Data updated: 2026-10-24T05:30:00.000Z