Protests Erupt in Cuba as U.S. Restrictions Deepen Food, Energy Crisis

Rare anti-government protests have erupted in Cuba, with demonstrators setting fire to a local Communist Party office in the central city of Morón amid worsening food and energy shortages.

Authorities said five people were arrested following what state media described as “acts of vandalism.” According to the government-run newspaper Invasor, the demonstration began peacefully before escalating into attacks on the municipal headquarters of the Communist Party. Unverified videos circulated online appear to show protesters throwing stones at the burning building while shouting “liberty.”

Other government facilities were reportedly damaged overnight. No injuries have been officially confirmed. A human rights group, Justicia11, claimed gunfire was heard and that one man may have been shot, but state outlet Vanguardia de Cuba denied those reports.

Public demonstrations are uncommon in Cuba, where dissent is often met with swift government response. However, frustration has grown in recent weeks as rolling blackouts and food shortages intensify. Residents have staged nighttime “cacerolazos,” banging pots and pans in protest, while students at the University of Havana recently held a sit-in after classes were suspended due to energy rationing.

Economic conditions have sharply deteriorated since U.S. President Donald Trump tightened restrictions aimed at isolating the government in Havana. In January, Washington moved to halt Venezuelan oil transfers to Cuba and later issued an executive order threatening penalties against countries supplying fossil fuels to the island.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said this week that no petroleum shipments have reached the country in three months. Cuba’s aging power grid relies heavily on imported fuel, and prolonged shortages have crippled electricity generation and daily life.

Earlier this month, Trump signaled further pressure could be forthcoming, stating that Cuba would be “next” following U.S. actions in Venezuela and Iran.