Small-scale Demonstrations Highlight Growing Frustrations
Small groups of protesters in Santiago, Cuba, demanded an end to power outages lasting up to eight hours and expressed anger over food shortages plaguing the nation. The protests, confirmed by state media and the U.S. Embassy in Havana, reflect the deepening economic and energy crises facing the island.
Chants of “Electricity and Food” Fill the Air
Videos shared on social media depicted demonstrators in Santiago calling for basic necessities, as frustrations over blackouts and inflation intensify. President Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged the protests, attributing them to the ongoing economic challenges. Internet shutdowns were reported following the demonstrations, underscoring the government’s efforts to control information flow amidst civil unrest.
International Response and Calls for Dialogue
The U.S. Embassy urged the Cuban government to respect the protesters’ human rights, emphasizing the need to address the legitimate grievances of the Cuban people. In a surprising move, the secretary of the Communist Party in Santiago engaged with protesters to “hear their complaints,” signaling a potential willingness to address citizen concerns.
Amidst Accusations of External Interference
President Díaz-Canel pointed fingers at anti-government elements in the United States, accusing them of inciting unrest to destabilize Cuba. The government’s response to the protests and the allegations of external influence highlight the complex dynamics at play in the nation’s socio-political landscape.