Latest news in Cuba? September 13th, 2026

Cuba is grappling with severe infrastructure strains, diplomatic friction, and domestic economic pressures:

• Severe Water and Public Health Crisis: Humanitarian agencies reported that around 3.2 million Cubans face critical difficulties accessing safe drinking water. Deteriorating sanitation and ongoing infrastructure breakdowns have triggered significant outbreaks of waterborne illnesses, including rotavirus, norovirus, and bacterial intestinal infections.
• Deepening Energy Shortages and Blackouts: Rolling blackouts frequently exceed 20 to 24 hours in various provinces due to acute fuel deficits and power-grid deterioration. The blackouts have cascaded across essential services, shutting down electric water pumps, disrupting communications, and hampering food refrigeration.
• Heightened U.S.–Cuba Diplomatic Tensions: Bilateral relations remain severely strained. Following social media posts by Donald Trump depicting Cuba under U.S. flags, President Miguel Díaz-Canel publicly asserted that Cuba will “never again be a colony”. Meanwhile, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez announced that formal bilateral negotiations are halted and reported record-high economic losses attributed to tightened U.S. sanctions and energy-sector restrictions.
• International Engagements: Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez traveled to New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit, seeking broader economic partnerships and diplomatic backing across the Global South ahead of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly debates.