In the past month of May, Cuba was rocked by a surge of protests and citizen complaints, recording a total of 716 demonstrations, according to reports from the Cuban Conflict Observatory (OCC). This number represents an increase of 11.6% compared to the 633 recorded in April, and a 10.2% increase from March, a month marked by massive protests across the national territory, known as 17M.
The constant power outages, with interruptions lasting up to 20 hours, were the main catalyst for these protests, manifesting in cacerolazos (pot-banging protests), graffiti, "sit-ins," and a flood of complaints on social media and news outlets. The category of Public Services dominated the protests, accumulating 169 events driven by the energy crisis. Daily deficits in power generation reached up to 1,500 megawatts, severely impacting the daily lives of Cubans. In contrast, protests over Repressive Acts totaled 145, while Challenges to the Police State reached 132.
Although Havana, with its 233 protests, was the epicenter of the demonstrations, discontent spread throughout the island. Temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius and days-long power outages led the population to take to the streets in search of answers. In Santiago de Cuba, for example, 'protest congas' were recorded in five different neighborhoods, while in Baracoa (Guantánamo), people demanded electricity and food in street demonstrations.
Electricity Outages Spark Nationwide Protests
The discontent over power outages also manifested in various forms of protest in other localities. In Las Tunas and La Lisa (Havana), cacerolazos were heard during power cuts, and in Juraguá (Cienfuegos) and Camino de La Habana (Sancti Spíritus), the population also mobilized. Social media became a battleground where citizens expressed their frustration and demanded immediate solutions.
To contain the popular unrest, the regime intensified repression. There were 145 reported repressive acts, which included intimidating deployments of the police and the special forces known as Black Berets from the Ministry of the Interior (MININT). These actions aimed to dissuade the population from continuing the demonstrations, though they failed to calm the citizens' spirits.
Food Crisis and Public Safety Concerns
The category of Food, Inflation, and Agriculture recorded 94 protests, reflecting the country's severe food crisis. Basic basket deliveries were limited to a few pounds of rice and legumes, while prices for essential products like oil, bread, and eggs continued to rise. Entire families were forced to spend more than 70% of their income on food, leading some to resort to extreme measures to survive, such as scavenging for scraps or even hunting street animals.
Although the category of Public Safety remained stable with 82 protests, the OCC recorded 16 murders and homicides during the month, including femicides and acts of violence motivated by theft or revenge. Reports of missing persons and thefts were also frequent, exacerbating the sense of insecurity among the population.
Public Health Crisis and Other Social Conflicts
Protests in the realm of Public Health continued, with patients increasingly dependent on social media, public charity, and the informal market to obtain medical care. The situation in hospitals is deplorable, with recent outbreaks of diseases such as tuberculosis and Oropouche fever worsening the health crisis. The OCC also recorded 48 protests related to other social conflicts, including the loneliness of mothers whose children have emigrated, neglect in nursing homes, and lenient sentences for pedophiles.
The living conditions of the most vulnerable Cubans continue to deteriorate, with many resorting to precarious jobs to survive. In light of this situation, Catholic priest Alberto Reyes Pías from Esmeralda expressed in a post on May 24 that Cuba needs a system change. According to Reyes Pías, it is not enough to solve the immediate problems of power supply or food; the country requires a profound transformation that allows citizens to reclaim ownership of their lives and the freedom to build their future.
In summary, the month of May in Cuba was marked by an intensification of social discontent, with a significant increase in protests and citizen complaints. The energy and food crises, along with growing insecurity and the deplorable state of public services and health, have led Cubans to demand deep changes in their country.
Note: This summary presents an overview of the situation in Cuba during the month of May, based on reports from the Cuban Conflict Observatory (OCC). The information reflects the severity of the crises faced by the population and the regime's response to the growing citizen demands.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Protests in May
In light of the recent surge in protests in Cuba, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to provide more context and understanding of the situation.
What triggered the protests in Cuba in May?
The main trigger for the protests was constant power outages, with interruptions lasting up to 20 hours, severely impacting daily life and leading to widespread frustration and anger.
How did the Cuban government respond to the protests?
The Cuban government responded by intensifying repression, including deploying police and special forces to intimidate and dissuade citizens from continuing the demonstrations.
What other issues contributed to the protests?
In addition to power outages, the protests were fueled by severe food shortages, rising prices of essential goods, and a deteriorating public health system.
Were there any notable incidents during the protests?
Yes, notable incidents included 'protest congas' in Santiago de Cuba, street demonstrations in Baracoa, and pot-banging protests in Las Tunas and La Lisa.