Rubio urges Cubans seeking change to form 'discrete partnership' with CIA

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on 24 October urged Cubans who want change in their country to form a "discrete partnership" with the CIA, the United States' foreign intelligence service. The appeal, made in a social media post, comes as Donald Trump's administration repeatedly states that it wants to bring about a change in the leadership in Havana, Cuba's capital.

Rubio wrote that "now is the time" for those hoping to "create positive change". He cited disappointment over failed promises, corruption and the privileged lives of a few, and urged people to seize the opportunity to achieve the change they desire by working with the CIA.

Background of the pressure

President Donald Trump has himself claimed Cuba is "ready to fall". In January he increased pressure on the island nation by announcing an oil blockade, following a US military operation that captured former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

On his Truth Social account at the time, Trump wrote that Cuba had for many years lived on large amounts of oil and money from Venezuela, and that no more would go to the island. He strongly suggested Havana make a deal before it is too late.

Speaking to reporters in September, Trump appeared confident of reaching an arrangement with Cuba. He said he believed the two countries would make a deal and that he did not think the military would be needed.

CIA advice for Cubans

The CIA has published guidance for Cubans who wish to contact it. It advises people not to use a device or internet connection linked to their identity or workplace, and to remove all software, apps and programmes from the device used for contact. Those getting in touch are asked to share their base location, job title and the type or level of access they have to information of interest to the agency.