Residents of Cojímar, in the municipality of Havana East, held a nighttime protest this Wednesday in response to a prolonged blackout that left several neighborhoods without electricity for more than 20 hours.
Alleging "strong>We want electricity!" and banging pots and pans, the protesters took to the streets after more than a day with barely four hours of electricity service. The affected areas included Reparto Bahía and the historic center of Cojímar, where public discontent grew as the night progressed.
Reports shared by users on social media indicate that the situation was "unsustainable." Residents warned that if the service was not restored, they would continue to take to the streets, as has already happened in other areas of the country.
"Enough is too much abuse towards the Cubans and the people of Cojímar," wrote a citizen on social media, reporting that they only had four hours of electricity in 24 hours.
Another person warned that the situation in the neighborhood was "heating up" and that "the night promised excitement," referring to the rising atmosphere of tension.
The citizen protests were so impactful that one hour after the demonstration began, electrical service was partially restored in some areas.
The neighbors interpreted this reaction from the regime as a direct response to the pressure exerted from the streets.
So far, there have been no reports of arrests or any repressive presence during the protest, which remained peaceful.
National Context: Protests, Crisis, and Repression Amidst the Electric Collapse
The protest in Cojímar is not an isolated event. During the night on Monday, residents of El Cerro also took to the streets amidst a prolonged blackout that lasted over seven hours. The clamor of pots and the shouts echoed around the corner of Tejas until the electricity was restored.
Three days earlier, residents in Gibara, Holguín, held a similar protest. Videos on social media showed marches with flashlights, pots, and slogans such as “We want power!”, amidst an energy crisis that has already caused several nationwide blackouts this year.
The collapse of the National Electric System has left the country in a critical situation. The electrical deficit on Tuesday was 1,990 MW, with availability far below demand. The UNE attributes the crisis to technical failures, units under maintenance, and a fuel shortage.
However, the Cuban people have begun to respond with pots and pans protests, spontaneous marches, and nighttime demonstrations that show the citizens' exhaustion with the regime's lack of solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Blackouts and Protests in Cuba
Why did the protest occur in Cojímar?
The protest in Cojímar occurred due to a prolonged blackout that left several areas without electricity for over 20 hours. The residents, fed up with the situation, took to the streets demanding the restoration of electrical service, which ultimately forced the regime to partially restore electricity in some areas.
What impact do power outages have on the daily lives of Cubans?
Blackouts in Cuba seriously impact the daily lives of citizens, hindering food preservation, access to water, medical care, and nighttime rest. Furthermore, the energy crisis has led to a growing social unrest that manifests in protests and pot-banging across various regions of the country.
What are the causes of blackouts in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba is due to technical failures, maintenance of units, and fuel shortages. These causes have led to the collapse of the National Electric System, resulting in prolonged and recurring blackouts across the country, severely impacting the lives of Cubans.
How has the Cuban government responded to the protests over power outages?
The Cuban government has responded to the protests over power outages with limited measures, such as the partial and temporary restoration of electricity service in some areas following the citizen demonstrations. However, the lack of effective solutions has led to an increase in social discontent on the island.
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