UN votes overwhelmingly to end Cuba embargo, Morocco stands alone in opposition from Africa

The United Nations General Assembly voted on October 28, 2026, to adopt a resolution demanding the end of the decades-long U.S. embargo against Cuba. The measure passed with 130 votes in favor, 17 against, and 25 abstentions—but the outcome revealed a striking exception: Morocco became the only African nation to oppose the resolution, defying the continental consensus on an issue that has long united Africa’s diplomatic stance.

The vote, held in New York, marked the 34th consecutive year that the UN has called for the lifting of the embargo. While the resolution passed by a comfortable margin, the number of supporting countries declined compared to 2025, when 165 states backed the measure, highlighting a gradual shift in global attitudes toward the issue.

The Moroccan vote represents more than just a numerical outlier—it signals a potential recalibration of Rabat’s diplomatic alignment, particularly on matters involving U.S. foreign policy and international sanctions. With no official explanation provided for the shift, analysts are left to interpret the motivation behind Morocco’s decision, which departs from the traditional African position favoring the resolution.

Why did Morocco break with Africa on Cuba?

The resolution’s core appeal centered on principles of state sovereignty, non-interference, and economic freedom—values that have long resonated across the African continent. Most African nations, including regional heavyweights like Nigeria, South Africa, and Algeria, have consistently supported the annual UN vote calling for an end to the embargo. Morocco’s opposition, therefore, raises questions about the kingdom’s strategic priorities and potential underlying motivations.

Available data suggests that Morocco did not consistently oppose the resolution in past years. Reports indicate that the country had previously abstained in prior votes but switched to a

By Maimouna Kaboré — Journalist