Protests broke out in the eastern city of Santiago, Cuba, as small groups of demonstrators took to the streets to voice their frustrations over power outages lasting up to eight hours and widespread food shortages. Videos circulating on social media captured the scenes on the outskirts of Santiago, located approximately 800 kilometers from Havana.
State media confirmed the protests in Santiago, with reports also emerging of demonstrations in various other provinces across the island. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged the protests in a social media post, attributing them to the challenging economic conditions facing the country.
The protests in Santiago were reportedly triggered by prolonged power outages due to fuel shortages and other issues stemming from the ongoing economic crisis in Cuba. The country is grappling with severe energy and economic challenges, with escalating blackouts exacerbating existing frustrations over food scarcity and inflation.
Internet services in Santiago were reportedly disrupted following the demonstrations, with users experiencing outages on social media platforms. The internet has played a significant role in disseminating information about protests in Cuba, although it has also been used to spread misinformation in the past.
In response to the protests, President Díaz-Canel accused anti-government elements based in the United States of instigating the unrest, labeling them as 'terrorists' seeking to destabilize the country. The U.S. Embassy in Havana called on the Cuban government to respect the rights of protesters and address the legitimate grievances of the Cuban people.
Despite the presence of police at the protests in Santiago, there were no reports of arrests or violence. Beatriz Jhonson Urrutia, the secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba in Santiago, engaged with demonstrators to listen to their concerns and initiate a dialogue.
Images and videos purportedly depicting protests in Cuba have circulated on social media, although the authenticity of some remains unverified. The recent wave of protests echoes similar demonstrations in 2021, which were also fueled by power and food shortages.
