Cuba's Conference of Catholic Bishops issued an urgent message on Saturday warning of real risks of social chaos and violence due to the worsening crisis, particularly after decisions threatening oil supplies, as blackouts affected up to 60% of the country with a 1,910 MW electricity deficit mainly from fuel shortages, according to reports from 11:45 AM to 2:45 PM UTC on January 31, 2026. Cuban President Miguel DĂaz-Canel appealed to the international community and allies in response to a U.S. executive order by President Donald Trump. The bishops' message, addressed to all Cubans of good will, stated that the situation has seriously worsened and cannot continue, calling for urgent structural, social, economic, and political changes without naming authorities directly, per a post by journalist Mag Jorge Castro. They emphasized that Cuba needs no more suffering or blood, with the vulnerable most affected, and expressed concern over eliminated fuel routes impacting daily life. The bishops rejected external coercion and sanctions but stressed that human dignity and freedoms must not be subordinated to foreign conflicts, urging Cuba to open to its people with plurality. The Catholic Church offered itself as a bridge for dialogue and tension reduction. Separately, DĂaz-Canel threatened self-immolation like 32 Venezuelan soldiers while appealing internationally against Trump's order, as reported by Castro. A massive blackout hit Cuba during this three-hour period, with the electricity system at its limit and 80% of the 1,910 MW deficit attributed to fuel lack, leaving up to 60% of the country in darkness with no relief in sight, according to the same source.
