The post by Miguel Díaz-Canel on Facebook about the Central Event for Africa Day held at the Palace of the Revolution sparked a wave of criticism from Cubans who highlighted the contradiction between the ruler's ceremonial acts and the poverty experienced by the people.
Last Monday, Díaz-Canel presided over the event alongside African ambassadors and posted on social media: "At the Central Event for #AfricaDay at the Palace of the Revolution, we reaffirm our brotherhood with the mother continent. Our history, blood, and shared struggle against colonialism and racism unite us. We are children of Africa. We will not falter."
The response from the Cubans was immediate and was characterized by criticism, mockery, and outrage at the disconnect between official actions and the daily crisis faced by the island.
“He goes from act to act while the people are dying of hunger,” wrote a user, in one of the most frequently repeated phrases among the comments.
Others questioned the political display amid the blackouts and shortages: "They continue with events and meetings, a lot of chatter and air conditioning"; "Was there electricity?"; and "Keep on celebrating while your people are starving."
También abundaron las críticas por el contraste entre las celebraciones oficiales y el deterioro social del país. «Risas y aplausos... mientras los hospitales colapsados y las madres tratando de salvar la vida de sus hijos», comentó una cubana.
Several internet users accused the leader of trying to project a façade of normalcy to the outside world while the population faces hunger and blackouts. "Appearing to the world as if everything is fine, when their people cry out for freedom," wrote another user.
References to the economic and food crisis also dominated the debate: "After that celebration, there will be a feast of good food, while Cubans continue to have empty plates"; "We have already surpassed Africa in poverty"; and "The people are dying of hunger, and you are doing that useless thing."
There were even those who criticized the official insistence on blaming the U.S. embargo. "If Cuba can count on Africa and so many countries, why does it need its historical enemy?" questioned another commentator.
The electrical crisis keeps Cuba in the dark, with deficits exceeding 2,100 MW during May 2026 and blackouts lasting up to 20 hours a day in Havana.
On May 14, a historical record of 2,174 MW of deficit was recorded, leaving 70% of the Cuban population without electricity simultaneously.
The electrical crisis is compounded by a devastating food situation: 33.9% of Cuban households experienced hunger in 2025 and 96.91% of the population lacks adequate access to food, according to data from May 2026.
The Cuban healthcare system is on the brink of collapse, with 461 out of 651 essential medications out of stock in state pharmacies and over 96,000 patients on the surgical waiting list, including more than 11,000 children.
This episode fits a recurring pattern: just days earlier, Díaz-Canel organized an Anti-Imperialist Forum with workers transported on state buses amidst a severe fuel shortage.
"Mother continent? Work to resolve the electrical, food, sanitation, and housing problems facing the island," demanded another commentator on Facebook, reflecting the growing discontent among many Cubans towards a leadership that is increasingly disconnected from the everyday struggles of the population.
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