Cuba: Nationwide Anti-Government Protests on 11 July

Nationwide anti-government protests were reported in Cuba on 11 July, including in Havana and at least 14 other cities across the country. The protests have been spurred by demands calling for an end to communist rule in Cuba, and alleged government inefficiency to address the ongoing economic crisis and the resulting shortage of food and COVID-19 vaccines in the country. The demonstrations in Havana on 11 July triggered traffic disruptions and localized clashes between the protesters and security personnel. Cuban authorities also reportedly shut down internet service throughout the afternoon.

Large-scale anti-government protests are relatively rare in Cuba and usually invite strict reprisals by security and government personnel. There remains the heightened potential for additional protests to occur and escalate to violence over the coming days. Avoid areas of large public gatherings, rallies or demonstrations and allot for disruptions to travel across cities in Cuba.