# Cuba-Dominican Republic diplomatic tension

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cuba-dominican-republic-diplomatic-tension
> Updated: 2026-08-15T19:48:53.000Z. Sources: 22. Developments: 2.

Initially, Cuban diplomatic missions focused on community outreach and service decentralization. In the Dominican Republic, the embassy organized programs in Higüey to provide consular, cultural, and social services to the local Cuban community.

However, the diplomatic relationship between Cuba and the Dominican Republic shifted toward a crisis. The Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX) ordered the expulsion of Cuban diplomats, issuing a seven-day deadline for at least nine diplomats and their families to depart. While the Dominican government cited nine individuals, the Cuban mission reported that ten representatives were notified. The expulsion affects approximately 21 people in total. The Dominican government invoked Article 9 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations to declare the officials ‘persona non grata,’ though it has not publicly specified the reasons for this decision.

During the departure process, Cuban Ambassador Ángel Arzuaga Reyes stated that Cuba would not abandon its ‘principle of international solidarity’ despite the friction, noting that tensions between governments should not impact historical ties between the two peoples. As the deadline concluded, Cuban staff were observed removing furniture, appliances, and personal belongings from the embassy in the El Millón sector of Santo Domingo under the supervision of the Dominican National Police. While the Dominican government has not released specific names, independent media have identified officials including commercial counselor Dimas Lima Orue and minister counselor Luis Baró. The Cuban government has characterized the expulsion as an act of subordination to United States interests.

## Claims

- At least nine Cuban diplomats are required to leave the Dominican Republic. (disputed by 5 sources)
- The Cuban side claims ten representatives were notified of the departure order. (disputed by 3 sources)
- The Dominican government ordered the expulsion of Cuban diplomatic staff. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- The Dominican government provided a seven-day deadline for the diplomats to leave the country. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- The Dominican government has not specified the reasons for the expulsion. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- Cuban Ambassador Ángel Arzuaga Reyes stated that Cuba will maintain its policy of international solidarity despite the crisis. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The measure affects nine Cuban officials and their families, totaling 21 people. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Dominican government invoked Article 9 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations to declare the officials persona non grata. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-15: Cuba diplomats leave Dominican Republic following expulsion order

The Dominican Republic has ordered the expulsion of at least nine Cuban diplomats and their families, citing the Vienna Convention, though specific reasons for the measure have not been disclosed.

22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-diplomats-begin-departure-from-dominican-republic

### 2026-07-17: Cuban Embassies Hold Outreach Events for Diaspora in Dominican Republic and Panama

Cuban embassies held outreach events in the Dominican Republic and Panama, offering consular services, updates on sanctions and new economic opportunities, to strengthen ties with the diaspora.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuban-embassies-hold-outreach-events-for-diaspora-in-dominican-republic-and-panama

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Cite as: Cuba-Dominican Republic diplomatic tension. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cuba-dominican-republic-diplomatic-tension