Cuba Protests: Communist Party Headquarters Set Ablaze Amid Blackouts and Economic Crisis.

Mass Unrest in Morón

According to TSN.ua: On March 13, 2026, widespread protests erupted in the Cuban municipality of Morón, driven by prolonged power outages and a deepening economic crisis. During the unrest, demonstrators set fire to the local headquarters of the Communist Party of Cuba. One protester sustained a gunshot wound to the thigh in the ensuing chaos.

Morón is located in the province of Ciego de Ávila, and the situation there mirrors the broader economic strain gripping the nation. A key trigger for the protests was a sharp reduction in oil supplies, which had previously met up to 50% of Cuba's energy needs. In early 2026, the United States effectively blocked Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba, while Mexico also halted deliveries under U.S. pressure.

Political Fallout and International Relations

In response to these developments, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel confirmed that negotiations are ongoing with the administration of Donald Trump. He stated that

“contacts are aimed at finding solutions to bilateral differences through dialogue, identifying areas of cooperation to counter common threats, and strengthening security in Latin America”

It is worth recalling that in late January 2026, Donald Trump declared a national emergency in the United States citing the threat from Cuba. These events underscore the severity of the economic situation on the island and the political consequences that could reshape international relations in the region.

The protests in Morón highlight a sharp escalation of social tensions in Cuba, fueled not only by economic hardship but also by international policies that have disrupted energy supplies. The ongoing interaction between Cuba and the United States, along with the reactions of other nations to this crisis, could determine the island's trajectory. Given Cuba's strategic importance in Latin America, these events may have far-reaching implications for political stability across the region.