Cuba Faces Unrest as Oil Blockade Fuels Protests, Talks with U.S. Begin
Morón, Cuba – Anti-government protests erupted in the city of Morón, Cuba early Saturday, with demonstrators targeting a Communist Party office, state-run media reported. The rare display of public dissent comes amid increasingly severe blackouts and shortages of essential goods, conditions exacerbated by a U.S. oil blockade.
Videos circulating on social media depict a building engulfed in flames and individuals throwing rocks, with shouts of “liberty” audible in the background. Reuters has not independently verified the authenticity of the footage.
The protests began as a rally against power cuts and food shortages late Friday, escalating into violence overnight, according to the Invasor newspaper.
The situation unfolds as Cuba’s First Secretary Miguel Díaz-Canel confirmed Friday that his government has initiated diplomatic talks with the United States. The aim is to address the crippling fuel shortages stemming from the U.S. imposed oil and energy blockade, which has left the island nation facing widespread power outages.
The U.S. has increased pressure on Cuba this year, particularly following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro – a key ally and source of oil for Cuba – in January. President Donald Trump previously halted Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba and threatened tariffs on nations continuing to supply the island, further straining an economy already grappling with shortages of food, fuel, electricity, and medicine.
The current crisis highlights Cuba’s vulnerability following years of economic hardship and its reliance on Venezuelan support. The ongoing blockade, and the recent tightening of restrictions, are demonstrably impacting daily life for Cubans, fueling public frustration and contributing to the unrest seen in Morón. The outcome of the newly initiated talks with the U.S. remains uncertain, but represents a critical juncture for the future of the island nation.