Protesters in central Cuba attacked an office of the ruling Communist Party early Saturday, amid growing discontent over hourslong blackouts fueled by a US oil blockade.
The Communist Party office in the city of Moron, located 460 kilometers (roughly 285 miles) east of Havana, was vandalized as a peaceful rally against power cuts and food shortages turned violent.
What Happened in Moron?
Protesters took to the streets shouting “liberty” and banging pots, a recent form of protest used by Cubans to voice their grievances. Videos on social media showed people throwing rocks and ransacking the Communist Party office, removing and burning documents, computers, and furniture.
According to the state Invasor newspaper, “What began peacefully, after an exchange with the authorities in the area, degenerated into vandalism against the headquarters of [the] municipal committee of the Communist Party.”
A Moron resident, speaking anonymously to the French AFP news agency, reported that hotels in the town – a key source of revenue and employment through tourism – have been shuttered due to the energy crisis, worsening the economic difficulties for residents.
President Miguel Diaz-Canel acknowledged public discontent over the prolonged blackouts, stating on X, “What will never be comprehensible, justified or admitted is violence.” Police detained five people during the protests, state media reported.
The Root of the Crisis
Cuba’s economy has been struggling under six decades of a US trade embargo. The situation has been significantly worsened since US President Donald Trump’s administration unseated Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Cuba’s primary foreign benefactor, in January.
Following Maduro’s removal, Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba ceased. President Trump openly expressed hopes for regime change in Havana, suggesting the country was “on the verge of collapse.”
On Friday, Cuba’s government confirmed it was conducting talks with Washington to de-escalate the situation, but details of those discussions have not been released.
The US oil blockade has resulted in shortages of fuel, food, and medicine, contributing to the blackouts that can last for the majority of the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sparked the protests in Moron?
The protests were sparked by prolonged blackouts and shortages of food and fuel, but began as a peaceful rally before turning violent.
What was the response from the Cuban government?
President Miguel Diaz-Canel acknowledged public discontent but condemned the violence. Police detained five people.
What role did the United States play in this situation?
The US oil blockade, intensified after the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by the Trump administration, has contributed to fuel shortages and economic hardship in Cuba.
As Cuba navigates these challenges, will ongoing talks with the United States yield solutions to alleviate the economic pressures facing its citizens?
