Cuban Citizens Protest Nationwide Over Energy Crisis and Acute Shortages

Havana, Cuba – Cuba is once again grappling with widespread social unrest as citizens take to the streets in multiple provinces to protest against a deepening energy crisis and severe shortages of essential goods. Cities such as Bayamo, Cienfuegos, and Ciego de Ávila have witnessed rare and growing demonstrations, marked by the symbolic banging of pots and pans, a traditional act of civil disobedience. The protests are primarily fueled by prolonged blackouts, with residents in some areas reporting over 24 hours without electricity. The nation's energy infrastructure is under immense strain, highlighted by repeated failures at the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant, one of Cuba's primary power facilities, contributing to a significant national electricity deficit. This dire situation exacerbates already precarious living conditions, leading to public frustration with the government's handling of the crisis. In response to the escalating demonstrations, the Cuban government has deployed increased police and military forces, including units of the National Revolutionary Police and special forces known as 'Boina Negras,' to protest zones. Concurrently, there are widespread reports of internet disruptions, a tactic often employed by authorities to limit communication and control the flow of information during periods of unrest. Despite these measures, Cubans continue to share videos and testimonies across social media platforms, exposing a stark contrast between official narratives and the reality on the ground. While authorities have pledged long-term recovery efforts, public confidence remains low. The current wave of protests echoes the mass demonstrations of July 2021, which saw a government crackdown resulting in at least one death and hundreds of detentions, with many still imprisoned and serving lengthy sentences for their participation. The situation remains fluid, with further demonstrations anticipated in the coming days as the population demands not only electricity and food but also greater transparency and systemic change.

ФОКУС

Куба переживає п'ятий блекаут менш ніж за рік: 10 млн людей залишаються без сві…

На Кубі сталося п’яте загальнонаціональне відключення електроенергії за менше ніж рік. 10 мільйонів людей залишилися без світла, країна стикається з …