The economic, social, and food crisis in Cuba has reached a critical point, according to a report by the Food Monitor Program (FMP), which highlights the widespread deterioration of living conditions on the island.
This organization, which specializes in monitoring food security in Cuba, emphasized that the situation can no longer be regarded as isolated crises but rather a "systemic, structural, and multidimensional crisis" affecting every sector of the country.
Based on field observations and citizen reports, the study underscores that the shortage of food, ongoing power outages, water and gas scarcity, inflation, and increasing poverty have left millions of Cubans in severe vulnerability.
Institutional Collapse and Public Discontent
The report also highlights the erosion of purchasing power, mass migration, and the shift of state responsibilities to families as indicators of institutional collapse.
In recent years, public demonstrations have surged. From the July 11, 2021 protests to the more recent ones in Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, and Matanzas, the demands remain consistent: food, electricity, and water. However, the regime has responded with repression.
Prisoners Defenders, as cited by the FMP, reports that over 750 individuals remain imprisoned for their involvement in these protests.
Government Denial and Media Control
Amidst economic decline, the Cuban government continues to blame the United States embargo and "mercenarism" instead of acknowledging its own role in the structural crisis.
Simultaneously, it restricts access to public information and censors citizen criticism, even on social media, where dissenting content is monitored and blocked.
FMP warned that the degradation of the food, health, and energy systems is driving Cuba toward a prolonged humanitarian emergency.
Dire Living Conditions
"The Cuban people endure blackouts lasting over 30 hours, weeks without water, and widespread hunger that particularly affects women and children," the report states.
The organization concludes that the lack of institutional response and the suppression of voices highlighting the crisis reflect a state incapable of ensuring the basic rights of its citizens.
Manipulation of Data and Extreme Measures
Recently, FMP accused the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI) of manipulating official data to conceal the country's true decline, by altering figures on inflation, consumption, and supply, thereby masking the scale of the food emergency.
The organization has also noted extreme measures many Cuban families are forced to take, including hunting birds, cats, and other urban animals as a desperate food source amidst unprecedented shortages affecting predominantly vulnerable communities.
FMP reports gather testimonials revealing the collapse of the food distribution network. The question "Where does the food come from?" has become common, reflecting the struggle to access basic necessities, even for those with income.
Additionally, FMP has highlighted the deep disenchantment of the population with institutions. An independent survey showed that 94% of Cubans lack faith in the government's ability to resolve the current crisis, exacerbating the sense of institutional abandonment and widening the gap between citizens and the state apparatus.
Insights into Cuba's Current Crisis
What are the main factors contributing to Cuba's crisis?
Cuba's crisis is driven by a shortage of food, power outages, water and gas scarcity, inflation, and increasing poverty. These issues have created a multidimensional crisis affecting every sector of the country.
How have Cuban citizens responded to the ongoing crisis?
Cuban citizens have increasingly taken to the streets in protest, demanding basic needs such as food, electricity, and water. Despite these protests, the government's response has largely been repressive.
What role does the Cuban government play in the crisis?
The Cuban government has been accused of denying responsibility for the crisis, blaming external factors like the U.S. embargo. It has also been criticized for manipulating data and suppressing dissent to maintain control over the narrative.