Massive Protests Erupt in Cuba Over Power Cuts and Food Crisis
Maritza González, a mother of two young children in Morón, Cuba, has been struggling with constant power cuts that have disrupted her family’s sleep. With electricity going out every few hours, she is unable to use fans or air conditioning to cool down her children, resulting in restless nights for the entire household. The situation is not unique to Maritza, as many Cubans are facing prolonged blackouts lasting up to 18 hours a day, which have become a major source of frustration and discontent.
The ongoing power cuts, coupled with a severe food crisis in the country, have sparked mass protests across various provinces, including Santiago de Cuba, Matanzas, and Artemisa. What began as demands for electricity and food quickly escalated into calls for freedom, with protesters openly expressing their anger towards President Miguel Díaz-Canel. Despite the government’s attempts to suppress the protests by cutting off the internet and deploying security forces, the demonstrations continued to spread and intensify.
In response to the unrest, Díaz-Canel accused the United States of “heating up the streets of Cuba,” a claim that was promptly refuted by the US State Department. The president’s rhetoric echoed previous attempts to deflect criticism and blame external forces for internal problems, a tactic that has been met with skepticism and criticism from many within and outside of Cuba.
As the protests unfolded, reports emerged of dozens of arrests, though the exact number of detainees remains unclear. Activists and human rights organizations fear that the government may resort to harsh tactics, including charging protesters with sedition, to quell dissent and maintain control. The legacy of past crackdowns on protests, such as those in July 2021, looms large over the current situation, creating a sense of urgency and fear among those participating in the demonstrations.
Amidst the turmoil, Cubans continue to grapple with an increasingly dire economic situation, exacerbated by the global pandemic, a faltering tourism sector, and the impact of longstanding US sanctions. The lack of basic necessities, including food, medicine, and fuel, has pushed many to the brink, leading to widespread frustration and despair. Despite promises of improvement and government intervention, the underlying problems persist, leaving many to wonder what the future holds for Cuba and its people.