AGP Executive Report

Energy Crisis / Blackouts: Cuba’s national grid suffered a total disconnection Tuesday, the third major blackout in nine days, leaving about 10 million people without power as fuel shortages deepen under a U.S. oil blockade. Human Rights / Missing Dissident: Cuban artist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara was removed from prison after his sentence expired; his whereabouts are unknown, and a habeas corpus petition has a 72-hour deadline for a court response. Religious Freedom Crackdown: A watchdog report says Cuba has intensified persecution of religious groups since the 2021 protests, including harassment of church-linked humanitarian aid and prayer gatherings. Political Prisoners / Anniversary Pressure: U.S. Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart renewed calls for the release of Cuban political prisoners on the fifth anniversary of July 11, 2021. International Response: A group of U.S. Democrats visited Cuba and described the situation as a “silent Gaza,” urging diplomacy and rejecting the case for military action. Diplomacy & Sanctions: The U.S. continues expanding sanctions, including targeting Cuba’s tourism and energy-related entities, while Cuba and allies denounce the measures as collective punishment. Culture & Solidarity: International figures and organizations are mobilizing against the blockade, including a solidarity campaign urging support for Cuba’s humanitarian crisis.

Energy Crisis & Grid Failure: Cuba’s power system suffered another total disconnection, deepening a fuel-driven blackout cycle that leaves millions in the dark and households scrambling. US “Energy Siege” & Sanctions: Washington escalated pressure with new sanctions targeting Cuba’s tourism and fuel-import networks, while officials frame the campaign as security action tied to an “energy blockade.” Diplomacy Inside the Regime: Raúl Castro’s grandson, linked to GAESA, is reportedly positioning himself as a backchannel in talks with Trump—sparking unusual splits among regime supporters and exiles. Human Rights & Due Process: A Cuban human-rights group filed a habeas corpus petition demanding the whereabouts of dissident artist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara after State Security moved him to an undisclosed location. Water & Public Health Risk: In Havana, residents in Alturas del Mirador say they’ve gone months without safe drinking water, turning to polluted sources amid sanitation fears. US Claims on Iranian Drones: Trump said the US is investigating whether Iran stores drones in Cuba, warning it will act if confirmed—while Cuba has not publicly responded. Humanitarian Aid: Brazil began shipping 48 tons of powdered milk to Cuba as shortages worsen.

U.S. Sanctions Tighten on Cuba’s Tourism and “Repression” Network: Washington added Cuba’s Ministry of Tourism and nine other state and paramilitary-linked entities to OFAC’s SDN list, targeting revenue streams and groups the U.S. says surveil and suppress dissidents, including Rapid Response Brigades, Territorial Troops Militias, and the Association of Combatants of the Cuban Revolution, plus energy and trade firms like COREYDAN and ENETEC. Energy Crisis Meets Political Pressure: Cuba’s government and officials again blamed the latest SEN outages on an “energy blockade,” as the island continues to suffer repeated nationwide blackouts and fuel shortages that are now also hitting tourism operations and international travel. Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara Still Missing After Sentence Ends: Cuban courts were reportedly closed to block a habeas corpus filing, and after his July 9 sentence ended, State Security removed Otero Alcántara from prison and moved him to an undisclosed location, with relatives and rights groups describing it as a forced disappearance. Diplomacy and Mourning: Cuba declared official mourning for Qatar’s late Emir Father, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, highlighting long-running Cuba–Qatar ties in health and state relations. Congressional Cuba Trip: U.S. Reps. Mark Pocan, Teresa Leger Fernandez, Delia Ramirez, and Maxine Dexter returned from a fact-finding mission, arguing sanctions are worsening displacement and undermining Cuba’s healthcare and private sector.

Energy & Power Crisis: Cuba suffered a second islandwide blackout in a week as the SEN grid failed again, with authorities citing a “fluctuation in the parameters” after a line problem between Santa Clara and Sancti Spíritus, while Prime Minister Manuel Marrero blamed the “energy blockade” and near-total fuel shortages. Diplomacy & Pressure on Cuba: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio renewed Washington’s call for a “better future” for Cubans on the fifth anniversary of 11J, again demanding the release of political prisoners and linking Cuba’s crisis to repression and economic collapse. 11J Anniversary Abroad: Cuban exile groups marked July 11 with vigils and rallies in cities including Madrid and Washington, pushing for political prisoners’ release and warning that repression after 2021 has not ended. Internal Narrative & Rumors: With official information scarce amid blackouts and reforms, social media speculation intensified around Cuba’s power structure and possible policy moves, underscoring how uncertainty fills the information vacuum. Regional Reactions: Guyana’s failure to vote at the UN drew sharp criticism from former PM Moses Nagamootoo, who argued the country should have backed debate on the blockade after decades of Cuban support.

Energy Crisis & Grid Failure: Cuba suffered another island-wide blackout, with officials and residents pointing to fuel shortages and an “energy blockade,” while protests spread in Havana and Artemisa as people hit four days without power. Sanctions & U.S. Pressure: U.S. officials renewed calls for political and economic reforms and the release of political prisoners, as Washington also escalated rhetoric about Cuba’s “national security threat” and intelligence activity near U.S. bases. July 11 Anniversary Politics: Five years after the 2021 demonstrations, Cuban authorities tightened repression and the U.S. pushed renewed prisoner demands; in Miami, exile communities marched in Little Havana and across Calle Ocho. Negotiations & Prisoner Debate: Raul Castro’s grandson signaled willingness to talk with Trump “under the right conditions,” while Cuba’s UN envoy traded insults with the U.S. ambassador and disputed the existence of political prisoners. Economic Strain at Street Level: Matanzas residents described banking chaos that forces people into begging for transfers, and Pinar del Río opened sabotage probes tied to fuel and electrical theft. Tourism Gamble: Havana is betting on a joint Cuba–Mexico “Mundo Maya” circuit as visitor numbers keep sliding, even as blackouts disrupt resorts. Legal Cases: A federal court set an August trial date for a former Cuban pilot accused in the Brothers to the Rescue shootdown; prosecutors also sought long sentences in a case alleging an armed uprising plot.

Energy Crisis/Blackouts: Cuba suffered a second nationwide blackout in a week, the fourth in 2026, leaving millions without power as fuel shortages and grid failures compound daily life; Havana’s UNE reported only about 12.9% of customers restored, with priority for hospitals and water, while the government and Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez blamed an “energy blockade” and intensified U.S. sanctions. July 11 Anniversary/Repression: On the fifth anniversary of the 2021 protests, Cubans marked 11J with cacerolazos, street blockades, and rallies—while the regime tightened security: State Security surrounded dissidents’ homes, Berta Soler reported sieges of the Ladies in White, and Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara remained missing despite his sentence ending. Diaspora Mobilization: In Miami, Cuban Freedom March organizers and José Daniel Ferrer urged continued pressure for political prisoners and “Homeland and Life,” as South Florida communities rallied even as the island stayed in the dark. U.S.-Cuba Politics/Negotiations: A new flashpoint divides government supporters: Raúl Castro’s grandson, Raul Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, has signaled willingness to talk directly with Trump, while U.S. officials—including Rubio—renewed demands for reforms and prisoner releases. Diplomacy/UN: The U.S. and allies pushed UN action on Cuba’s embargo and detainees, while China publicly backed lifting the blockade.

Electricity & Fuel Crisis: Cuba suffered a second nationwide blackout in five days as the SEN collapsed again amid fuel shortages and aging infrastructure, with UNE reporting restoration efforts complicated by a western microsystem failure. 11J Repression: Five years after July 11, the regime intensified surveillance and harassment of independent voices, including journalist Camila Acosta, while party officials framed the protests as a “popular victory,” sparking backlash. Political Prisoners: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio marked the anniversary by demanding the release of political prisoners and citing record detention numbers tied to 11J. US-Cuba Pressure & “Havana Syndrome”: Washington reiterated it will use “all tools” to push reforms, while it also began first compensation payments to “Havana Syndrome” victims. Demographic Alarm: Cuba’s foreign minister used World Population Day to tout “well-being,” even as reporting highlights a steep fertility collapse and mass emigration. CARICOM Regional Context: CARICOM leaders met in Saint Lucia, with Cuba-related diplomacy and regional cooperation on the agenda. Urban Health & Sanitation: Havana’s water shortages are driving residents to defecate in plastic bags, reviving colonial-era unsanitary conditions.

Energy Siege & Blackouts: Cuba’s national grid suffered a second total collapse in five days, plunging nearly 10 million into darkness as fuel shortages bite and restoration crews work under “complex” conditions. Foreign Policy at the UN: Cuba’s UN mission rejected Israeli UN remarks and renewed its case that U.S. sanctions amount to collective punishment, while India urged an end to unilateral embargoes that infringe sovereignty. U.S. Havana Syndrome Payments: The U.S. began paying compensation under the HAVANA Act, nearly $3 million total, as claims for the mysterious illness move through the system. Diplomacy Signals from Havana: Prime Minister Marrero denied leadership splits after reports that Raúl Castro’s grandson, “El Cangrejo,” is open to talks with Trump, while Cuba’s Communist Party publicly endorsed him as an interlocutor. Repression & Prison Transfers: Activist Maykel Castillo Osorbo was moved to maximum security in Guanajay, following similar opaque transfers tied to the regime’s crackdown. Foreign Investment Rules: Cuba amended foreign investment regulations to speed approvals by trimming intermediate steps and tightening deadlines. Health System Strain: Reports highlight hospitals struggling with shortages and equipment limits, with patients waiting longer for critical scans amid power instability.

Cuba-US Negotiations: Cuban PM Manuel Marrero Cruz pushed back on talk of leadership splits after Raúl Castro’s grandson, “El Cangrejo,” said he’s open to talks with Donald Trump, while Marrero insisted Havana’s negotiating team has the Communist Party and Díaz-Canel’s mandate. Power Crisis: Cuba’s grid suffered another total disconnection, leaving about 10 million without electricity as fuel shortages and a near halt in imports continue to drive rolling blackouts. Repression on 11J Anniversary: Five years after the July 11, 2021 protests, rights groups say hundreds remain jailed, with Amnesty and others highlighting enforced disappearance concerns around Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara. Humanitarian/Medical Fallout: Italy’s Calabria region is resisting U.S. pressure to end Cuba’s doctors program, arguing hospitals depend on the staff amid local workforce shortages. Regional Diplomacy: Colombia’s incoming government says it will close embassies in Cuba and Nicaragua while seeking closer ties with the U.S. and Israel, signaling a sharper shift in Latin America’s foreign policy. Everyday Survival: AP reports solar-powered electric tricycles are replacing cars and buses for many Cubans as fuel scarcity worsens.

Cuba’s Power Crisis: Cuba’s grid suffered a total disconnection again, leaving about 10 million people without electricity as the fuel shortage deepens; the Cuban Electric Union reported a record shortfall of 2,341 MW (over 75% missing) even after partial restorations. Diplomacy Under Pressure: Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz says Havana is in “very sensitive” contact with U.S. representatives to “seek solutions” through dialogue, while also warning that criticism is part of a “well-designed plan” to sow distrust. UN Showdown: At the UN General Assembly, Cuba pushed for debate on the U.S. embargo and energy blockade, with Bruno Rodríguez calling it an “energy siege” and “act of war,” while the U.S. accused Cuba of “whitewashing” repression. Caribbean Split at the UN: The regional vote reflected strain with Washington: many supported Cuba’s sanctions debate, but Trinidad and Tobago abstained and others stayed away. Human Rights: Amnesty International denounced the enforced disappearance of Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara after his sentence ended, saying authorities won’t disclose his whereabouts. Doctors Program in Italy: Italy’s Calabria refused U.S. pressure to end Cuba’s medical mission, arguing local hospitals depend on the doctors. Miami Commemoration: Exiles in Little Havana plan July 11-12 events marking five years since the 2021 anti-government protests and the crackdown that followed.

Cuba Power Crisis: Cuba’s national grid suffered a total disconnection again, leaving about 10 million people without electricity as fuel shortages and aging infrastructure bite harder; President Díaz-Canel blamed U.S. pressure while workers and officials scrambled to restore service. Back-Channel Diplomacy: A senior Communist Party figure says Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro (“El Cangrejo”) has “top leadership” backing to negotiate with Washington, including with Trump, framing him as the regime’s authorized interlocutor. UNGA Pressure & Blockade Talk: Cuba’s foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez used the UN General Assembly to thank allies for condemning the U.S. blockade and to argue the embargo is what threatens peace—not Cuba. Internal Accountability Pressure: A retired Granma journalist publicly criticized the Electric Union (UNE) after blackouts, calling the lack of explanations a form of “psychological violence.” U.S.-Cuba Security Narrative: Jeb Bush warned that reports of Iranian-made drones in Cuba could pose a threat to the U.S., adding to the growing political focus on Cuba’s military ties.

Grid Crisis and Protests: Cuba partially restored power Tuesday, reconnecting the National Energy Grid from Pinar del Río to Holguín after a nationwide blackout that left about 10 million people in the dark for roughly 28 hours, while officials blamed limited generation capacity and kept the cause unclear; as outages dragged on, residents in Havana’s Regla and elsewhere blocked streets and banged pots, demanding answers from municipal authorities. Economic Overhaul: The government rolled out details of the 176 economic measures, including giving state firms more autonomy to set wages and prices, create subsidiaries, and expand private business—moves framed as necessary to revive output amid fuel shortages and a projected GDP contraction. Energy “Siege” at the UN: Cuba’s foreign minister told the UN the U.S. is waging an “energy siege” against the island, while CARICOM leaders said they’re ready to mediate and finally cleared a humanitarian aid package after repeated sanctions-related banking hurdles. Local Fallout: Independent reporting highlighted Havana’s trash and sewage backlog worsening food safety, as garbage trucks sit idle from diesel shortages. Reform vs. Reality: Separate accounts from Matanzas described unequal suffering during outages, with some government and party facilities keeping air conditioning while nearby neighborhoods went days without electricity.

Energy & Protest: Cuba’s grid is back online after a third nationwide blackout in 2026, but officials warn fuel shortages and aging infrastructure mean more outages are likely; in Havana, families protested with pots and pans and chants of “Freedom,” as police moved in. UN Diplomacy & Sanctions: At the UN General Assembly, Cuba’s foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez blamed U.S. “energy blockade” for blackouts while U.S. envoy Mike Waltz pressed the contradiction of “light for the regime” versus darkness for hospitals and people. Cuba-US Pressure Narrative: A new Cuba-focused editorial and commentary frame Washington’s “maximum pressure” as a bid for leverage—possibly regime change or a negotiated settlement—while Cuba’s leadership continues to warn against aggression. Regional Politics: CARICOM leaders and Cuba’s allies keep pushing against the blockade in international forums, with Cuba highlighting solidarity ties and diplomatic pressure. Cuban Domestic Life: Reports also highlight everyday strain—food and prices, cash shortages, and the human cost of power failures—alongside local sports and community programming that continues despite the crisis. International Spillover: Separately, U.S. moves to delist Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism and broader U.S. sanctions rhetoric continue to shape the wider geopolitical backdrop.

Electricity Crisis: Cuba restored power to much of the island after a nationwide blackout, but many areas—especially parts of Havana and Santiago de Cuba—remained dark as fuel shortages and an ageing grid kept output low; President Díaz-Canel and Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez again blamed U.S. fuel restrictions, while residents protested by banging pots and shouting “turn on the lights.” UN Diplomacy: At the UN General Assembly, Cuba’s foreign minister denounced the U.S. embargo as “ruthless” and “collective punishment,” as member states voted 136-9 (with 30 abstentions) to proceed with the debate; the EU formally recognized the blockade’s extraterritorial impact. Political Prisoners: Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara was removed from Guanajay prison, but his whereabouts remain unknown, with supporters warning he is not free and may be held by State Security. Humanitarian Fallout: Reports from Havana and beyond describe daily life grinding to a halt—food spoilage, halted transport, and growing shortages—while authorities say “vital services” are being protected.

UN Blockade Push: Cuba will denounce the U.S. energy blockade at the UN General Assembly, with Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez leading a complaint that Havana frames as “multidimensional aggression,” including possible military threat, while Washington faces fresh scrutiny after a leaked Rubio-signed cable urged U.S. diplomats to block UN debate on the blockade’s effects. UN Clash: At the same UN session, U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz and Cuba’s delegation traded barbs after Havana tried to disrupt his speech, as Cuba’s officials renewed claims that fuel restrictions amount to an “act of war.” Grid Crisis in Real Time: Cuba’s power system suffered another total collapse Monday, leaving nearly 10 million without electricity; by Tuesday, UNE reported partial restoration to parts of Havana and central Cuba, but fuel shortages are slowing repairs and the cause remains unexplained. Diplomatic Ripples: China condemned U.S. “coercion” over Cuba’s blockade and urged an end to pressure, while Russia’s interior minister said Moscow will add $2 million in 2026 for humanitarian projects. Venezuela Solidarity: Díaz-Canel highlighted Cuban doctors and rescue brigades working in earthquake-hit Venezuela, pledging they’ll stay “as long as necessary.”

Power Crisis in Cuba: Cuba suffered a third nationwide blackout of 2026, with nearly 10 million people left without electricity as the national grid “totally disconnected.” US Blockade & Fuel Shortages: Cuban officials and President Díaz-Canel blamed the US fuel blockade and sanctions pressure, saying fuel reserves have been running low since January and restoration is complicated by the lack of oil. Grid Recovery Efforts: The Ministry of Energy and Mines said emergency protocols were activated and micro-grids were being brought back online, with some vital services protected while power returned slowly. Diplomacy at the UN: Cuba is set to push for a UN General Assembly debate on the blockade, arguing restrictions on fuel and humanitarian delivery amount to collective punishment and even a threat of direct aggression. Cuba-US Negotiation Signals: Raúl Castro’s grandson, Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro (“El Cangrejo”), told USA Today he would be willing to negotiate with US representatives, including Trump, if designated—alongside talk of possible prisoner releases and compensation for confiscated assets. Health Workforce Deal: Jamaica announced around 50 Cuban nurses will return under individual contracts, as US pressure continues to target Cuba’s medical-services export model.