Rosa María Payá, a commissioner for the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and an outspoken activist, recently shared a video on Instagram where she dismantles the "Peaceful Cuba" narrative that Miguel Díaz-Canel is trying to project to the international community. Her video is a direct response to the Cuban leader's statements about defending the island "to the last drop of blood."
The catalyst for her response was Díaz-Canel's assertion that Cuba "will never again become a colony of any empire" and will protect its sovereignty "at all costs," amid the pressure from the Trump administration on the island.
In her brief video, which garnered over 6,300 views in a matter of hours, Payá challenges Díaz-Canel's portrayal of a peaceful Cuba. She highlights recent controversies involving Cuban soldiers defending Maduro, Cuban troops in Ukraine fighting with the Russian army, and the creation of the largest migration crises in the hemisphere's recent history.
Cuba's Real Threats: A Dictatorial Regime
The activist pointedly criticized the Cuban leader for his threat to defend his regime's interests to the "last drop of blood." She emphasized, "That blood is already being shed daily in Cuba, and you are the ones responsible."
Payá argued that the regime offers the Cuban people nothing but repression. She questioned the true motives behind Díaz-Canel's stance, suggesting he aims to protect the wealth the Castros amassed at the expense of the Cuban people. "There's no invasion to fear; the only threat to Cuba is the dictatorship, which has inflicted damage for 67 years," she stated.
A Call for Genuine Peace and Freedom
In her concluding remarks, Payá made an unequivocal call for change: "The solution is for them to leave, to go once and for all, and for us to build a truly free and peaceful country, not the peace that comes from fear of repression, but the peace that we Cubans will create when we remove the violent from power."
This isn't the first time Payá has openly challenged the Cuban leader. In December 2024, she demanded he "leave" after a regime-organized march, and in September 2025, she labeled him a "usurper" due to the lack of free elections.
Earlier this year, in March, she reiterated that the resolution of Cuba's crisis hinges on the end of the regime.
Understanding the Cuban Political Crisis
What is Rosa María Payá's main criticism of Díaz-Canel?
Rosa María Payá criticizes Díaz-Canel for projecting an image of peace while the Cuban regime is responsible for repression and bloodshed within the country. She argues that the dictatorship is the true threat to Cuba.
Why does Payá believe the regime should end?
Payá believes the regime should end because it only offers oppression and has caused significant harm to Cuba for 67 years. She advocates for a free and peaceful Cuba, built by its own people without the current leaders.
How has Payá responded to Díaz-Canel's previous actions?
Previously, Payá has called for Díaz-Canel to step down, labeling him a "usurper" and demanding his departure after regime-led events, highlighting the lack of free elections as a critical issue.