The Cuban people sent a clear and powerful message to the regime: in March, there were 654 reports and protests demanding food, electricity, and freedom, according to the latest report from the Cuban Conflict Observatory (OCC).
"The economic package implemented by the Cuban government this month has generated deep discontent, due to misguided measures that have only served to increase instability and public rejection," the document states.
The OCC asserts that people reacted to the rise in prices, the partial dollarization of the economy, and the devaluation of the Cuban peso.
These issues have affected the purchasing power of the people, diminishing their quality of life, emphasizes the observatory, a project of the Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba.
The text indicates that the registration of 654 protests in March reflects a trend similar to February 2024, with only a minimal difference of seven protests recorded. However, there is a significant increase compared to March 2023, when 372 demonstrations were counted, marking a rise of 63.7%.
Havana continues to be the area with the highest number of demonstrations, recording 152 protests, followed by Santiago de Cuba (66); Camagüey and Holguín, each with 35; and Pinar del Río, Matanzas, and Guantánamo, with figures close to 30.
According to the OCC, in March, reports of repressive actions stood out (159), followed by protests that challenged the state's repression against the people (130).
There were also 130 protests recorded due to the critical food situation and 95 that highlighted the worrying lack of public safety, characterized by increasing social violence and a lack of government control.
The growing economic difficulties in Cuba are generating frustration and despair regarding the country’s economic future, which “manifested in another social outbreak that escalated automatically, similar to the usual violent response from the state,” emphasized the organization, referring to the protests on March 17 and 18 and the subsequent events.
In its report, the OCC also highlights the efforts of certain Cuban activists and mentions the statement made by Rosa María Payá, calling for the expulsion of the Castro regime from the UN Human Rights Council in a speech in Geneva, where she denounced the current situation facing the people.
The observatory's report also emphasizes that the government's neglect and the system's inefficiency led to 69 protests over public services, which failed to meet the essential needs of the population. This discontent stems from unsanitary conditions, frequent blackouts, a lack of medicine, and very poor public healthcare services.
It also notes that protests related to economic and civil rights topped the record with 365, followed by 289 related to political and civil rights, which clearly demonstrate the growing determination of citizens to express their dissent and demand their rights.
The organization warned that March has seen a significant increase in thefts, street violence, and the proliferation of criminal gangs, reflecting the economic crisis facing the nation.
At the same time, it also noted that the population perceives a lack of effective response from the authorities regarding security issues.
The femicide rate in Cuba has reached alarming levels, with 15 cases reported so far this year, indicating a significant increase, according to the document.
The OCC categorizes protests as in-person demonstrations such as sit-ins, potbanging events, and marches, as well as graffiti and statements to independent media. It also includes comments made on official channels, as well as posts, photos, videos, memes, and live broadcasts on social media, along with other formats such as drawings and musical or poetic compositions.
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