Cuban President Miguel Díaz‑Canel labels U.S. oil embargo a ‘political genocide’

Miguel Díaz‑Canel U.S. oil embargo political genocide Moncada anniversary Cuba

On July 26 2026, marking the 73rd anniversary of the Moncada assault, Cuban President Miguel Díaz‑Canel denounced the United States’ oil embargo and expanded sanctions as a “political genocide” against Cuba. He said the embargo, imposed on 29 January 2026, has caused daily blackouts lasting more than 20 hours, rolling power cuts of more than a day, fuel shortages, and the suspension of over 100,000 surgeries, while prompting the departure of Visa, Mastercard, Spain’s Meliá hotel chain, Air Canada and Air France.

Díaz‑Canel’s speech was echoed by solidarity movements abroad. Thousands marched in Mexico City demanding an end to the U.S. blockade, and the France‑Cuba association publicly condemned Washington’s attacks on Cuban medical cooperation. A recent U.S. State Department report accusing Cuba of running an espionage and influence network was also cited by the president as further evidence of hostile policy.

The president called for international support and urged the Cuban people to persevere amid the “genocidal” pressure, framing the current crisis as a new “Moncada” battle against U.S. aggression.

Entities

176‑point economic reform package · Cuba · Donald Trump · France‑Cuba · France‑Cuba solidarity group · Miguel Díaz‑Canel · Moncada Barracks · Moncada assault · Moncada assault (26 July 1953) · Moncada assault (July 26 1953) · Pinar del Río · Pinar del Río Province

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 8 SOURCES] The ceremony commemorated the 73rd anniversary of the Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes barracks attacks. www.telesurtv.net · www.perlavision.cu · www.radioguantanamo.icrt.cu · www.5septiembre.cu · www.elsureste.com.mx · +3 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] Cuban solidarity groups described the U.S. blockade as a 'silent genocide' causing severe shortages. lajornadasanluis.com.mx
[● 7 SOURCES] Cuba announced a package of 176 economic measures in June. www.tvn-2.com · wdez.com · 1001infos.net · www.tportal.hr · www.telesurtv.net
[● 13 SOURCES] President Miguel Díaz‑Canel accused the United States of a genocidal policy against Cuba. www.telesurtv.net · www.elsureste.com.mx · www.tvn-2.com · www.tportal.hr · www.perlavision.cu · +7 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] President Díaz‑Canel inaugurated a children’s home and toured a solar photovoltaic park during the anniversary events.
[● 9 SOURCES] The central ceremony commemorating the 73rd anniversary of the Moncada assault was held in Pinar del Río province. www.telesurtv.net · www.perlavision.cu · www.radioguantanamo.icrt.cu · www.5septiembre.cu · www.elsureste.com.mx · +4 more
[● 3 SOURCES] International solidarity groups, including France‑Cuba, sent congratulatory messages to Cuba on the anniversary. www.world-today-journal.com · www.telesurtv.net · www.elsureste.com.mx
[● 5 SOURCES] The U.S. blockade caused power outages lasting more than a day and resulted in deaths. www.telesurtv.net · www.tvn-2.com · www.elsureste.com.mx · noticias.uol.com.br · 1001infos.net
[● 5 SOURCES] U.S. sanctions recently targeted Cuba's overseas medical missions. www.tvn-2.com · wdez.com · www.tportal.hr · 1001infos.net · www.telesurtv.net
[● 4 SOURCES] Raúl Castro sent a recorded congratulatory message that was read by Díaz‑Canel at the ceremony. www.perlavision.cu · jack1065.com · cybermexico.mx · www.telesurtv.net
[● 4 SOURCES] The ceremony featured cultural performances and the attendance of senior Cuban officials. www.perlavision.cu · www.radioguantanamo.icrt.cu · www.siempreconcuba.org · www.telesurtv.net
[● 6 SOURCES] The 73rd anniversary of the Moncada assault was marked with a central ceremony in Pinar del Río. www.telesurtv.net · www.radioguantanamo.icrt.cu · www.siempreconcuba.org · www.perlavision.cu · noticias.uol.com.br