Fidel Castro The Face of Cuba Rule Resigns

One of the longest-serving leaders in the world, and the “Face” of Cuba rule since 1959, has announced his resignation.

That is not a typo!

For nearly 5 decades Fidel Castro was the leader of Cuba and now he finally steps down. It has sent shock waves around the world, but rarely a blip registered on the radar in Cuba. Maybe after so many years of being ruled by Castro, those in Cuba won’t believe it until his death, which he is not far from.

Fidel Castro revealed his plans in a letter published in the middle of the night on February 18, in the online version of Cuba’s state-run newspaper, Granma.

“I will not aspire to, nor will I accept the position of president of the council of state and commander in chief,” Castro wrote. “I wish only to fight as a soldier of ideas…. Perhaps my voice will be heard.”

The Bay of Pigs, Cuban Missile Crisis, US Embargo against Cuba are serveral of the defining moments of Cuba-USA foreign relations that come to mind when I look at the face of Fidel Castro.

Who will replace Fidel Castro?

Cuba’s leaders plan to elect a president within days. Castro’s brother Raúl, 76, the country’s defense minister, has been named publicly as his successor.

Castro’s Health has been getting worse in recent years and that is part of the reason he gave for his resignation, stating that

“It would betray my conscience to take up a responsibility that requires mobility and total devotion, that I am not in a physical condition to offer”