HAVANA, Cuba — Former Cuban President Raúl Castro has made a rare public appearance at a military event in Havana, drawing renewed attention to the country's political leadership during a period of severe economic and energy challenges.

Castro, 95, appeared in his traditional olive-green military uniform at a ceremony marking the 65th anniversary of Cuba's Personal Security Directorate, the organisation responsible for protecting senior Cuban leaders.

During the event, Castro was shown receiving honours and interacting with President Miguel Díaz-Canel and military officials. His appearance is notable because he had largely stayed out of the public spotlight in recent months.

Raúl Castro stepped down as Cuba's president in 2018 and later left his position as first secretary of the Communist Party, although he remains an important symbolic figure in Cuban politics.

His latest appearance comes as the Cuban government faces mounting economic difficulties, including severe electricity shortages and increasing pressure from Washington.

The timing of Castro's return to public view is likely to attract significant attention inside and outside Cuba, particularly as the government navigates its current political, economic and diplomatic challenges.

President Díaz-Canel continues to lead the country while Havana faces difficult relations with the United States and worsening domestic conditions.

Raúl Castro's public appearance therefore provides a notable political moment for Cuba as the government confronts one of the country's most challenging periods in decades.