Numerous images of a mass protest in Gibara, Holguín, are circulating on social media, confirming the public's discontent over the blackouts. However, the regime claims that "everything occurred based on empathy and respect."
A post on the official channel Gibaravisión acknowledged that “a group of residents from Güirito in Gibara, affected by the complex energy situation, left their homes to express their dissatisfaction from a position of respect and dialogue.”
In that text, the government accused social media users, "mostly from abroad," of trying to manipulate the protest. The authorities added that "the gibareños, like all Cubans, are noble, courageous, and revolutionary people," and criticized attempts to "politicize" this situation.
The official media reported that local leaders attended the protest site "to address questions and engage in discussions" with the public. They shared a photo of the alleged exchange and several images of the empty city, in an attempt to deny that the people had taken to the streets en masse to protest.
The government photos show the entire city illuminated with not a single person in the streets, a communication strategy that is repeated after every protest that occurs in Cuba.
However, the lights lit in the empty city did not go unnoticed by internet users who pointed out: "Ah, so... Did they turn on the power?", implying that when the people rise up to demand their rights, the regime is compelled to react.
A user commented on the regime: "The only disrespectful ones here are you, trying to change the narrative and the reality of things. Neither Gibara nor any town in Cuba is revolutionary. The revolution stands only due to government oppression and the cowardice of many Cubans."
Night protest after more than 24 hours without electricity
Social media woke up this Sunday flooded with images and videos of the massive protest in Gibara. Dozens of residents took to the streets in the early hours of September 14 with pots, flashlights, cell phones, and shouts of protest after over a day without electricity.
"The united people will never be defeated!" and "We want electricity and water!" were some of the slogans heard in the darkness, as men, women, and young people banged pots and walked through the streets demanding immediate solutions to the growing energy crisis affecting the country.
"Incredible, the entire town of Gibara out with pots in the street… All day without electricity, they only had it for 30 minutes," commented a resident in one of the videos shared.
National context of energy crisis
The protest comes after the collapse of the National Electric System, which led to a general blackout in Cuba on September 10. Authorities acknowledged failures in power generation, but the outages have continued. The blackouts are lengthy, and this is affecting water pumping and causing increasing social unrest.
So far, there have been no reports of arrests or police repression during the protest. Testimonies indicate that the mobilization was peaceful, sustained throughout the early morning and driven by accumulated desperation due to the lack of solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Protests in Gibara and the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What prompted protests in Gibara, Holguín?
The protests in Gibara were sparked by prolonged power outages that affected the population for over 24 hours. The lack of electricity, along with the scarcity of water and other basic services, created strong social discontent, prompting dozens of residents to take to the streets with pots and flashlights demanding immediate solutions.
How did the Cuban regime respond to the protests in Gibara?
The Cuban regime, through official media like Gibaravisión, claimed that everything took place peacefully and within a framework of respect and dialogue. However, they accused social media users of manipulating the situation and published images of the empty and illuminated city to downplay the magnitude of the protests.
What is the national context surrounding these protests in Cuba?
The protests in Gibara are part of a national energy crisis, exacerbated by the shutdown of the Felton thermoelectric plant and other issues in electricity generation. This situation has caused prolonged blackouts throughout the country, significantly affecting the quality of life of Cubans and increasing social discontent.
What other cities have experienced protests against blackouts in Cuba?
In addition to Gibara, other Cuban cities such as Bayamo and Santiago de Cuba have been the scene of protests motivated by prolonged blackouts and food shortages. These demonstrations reflect the growing public discontent with the lack of effective solutions from the Cuban government.
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