In the Baracoa region of Guantánamo province, the Cabacú community became the latest hotspot for public protest on Saturday, driven by extended power outages that have plagued the area. These disruptions have been especially severe for residents in eastern Cuba. The people of the La Bacanera neighborhood took to the streets after enduring more than 12 hours without electricity, as reported by the independent legal center Cubalex on social media.
"We have received reports of a protest in the Cabacú community, Baracoa, in Guantánamo province, due to prolonged power outages. Residents of the La Bacanera area in this eastern community protested on Saturday after being without electricity for over 12 hours. Local sources confirm the presence of police at the protest site," stated the NGO.
Worsening Crisis Amidst Natural Disaster Aftermath
This latest demonstration occurs amid a critical situation nationwide, with widespread areas experiencing extended power cuts. Over the weekend, the National Defense Council in Artemisa reported that only 51.69% of the population had access to electricity, highlighting the severity of the ongoing energy crisis since the complete collapse of the electrical system on October 18.
Cabacú, one of the communities hardest hit by the heavy rains from Hurricane Oscar in late October, is also dealing with the aftermath of this natural disaster. The persistent disruptions to basic services have exacerbated social discontent, as evidenced by such mobilizations.
Cabacú's History of Protests
Cabacú has previously witnessed protests due to public dissatisfaction over the persistent power outages. On May 17, 2024, residents took to the streets after enduring more than 14 hours without electricity. During that protest, demonstrators voiced their anger with chants demanding "Power and food!" as they called for solutions to the energy crisis and food shortages.
Police Presence and Ongoing Tensions
Local sources confirmed to Diario de Cuba the presence of police officers at the protest site. However, there have been no reports of violent incidents or arrests. Cubalex is working to verify the information and has called for more details from eyewitnesses.
This episode underscores the growing desperation among Cubans in the face of an unchanging economic and social situation. The frequent power outages, coupled with economic difficulties and the impact of natural disasters, continue to fuel public unrest.
So far, authorities have not issued an official statement regarding the events in Cabacú. More information is expected as independent organizations and local witnesses provide further updates.
Government Crackdown on Rising Protests
In recent months, Cuba has seen a significant increase in public protests due to prolonged power outages affecting various regions. These protests reflect the population's growing dissatisfaction with the energy crisis and the government's response.
On November 7, 2024, in Encrucijada, Villa Clara, residents gathered in front of the municipal government building demanding immediate solutions after over 48 hours without electricity. The protest faced police repression, resulting in several arrests.
In Havana, protests erupted in different neighborhoods during the third consecutive night of a general blackout. Demonstrators expressed frustration over the lack of electricity and the absence of official information about the situation. The government's response included a significant police presence to control the protests.
Similar protests were observed in Santiago de Cuba, where citizens demanded the restoration of electrical services. Authorities responded with a strong police presence to deter gatherings.
These protests have been driven by the country's ongoing energy crisis, characterized by frequent and lengthy power outages. The situation has been exacerbated by recent natural disasters, such as Hurricane Rafael, which severely impacted the electrical infrastructure.
The government's response has involved repressive measures and the arrest of protesters, drawing criticism from human rights organizations and the international community.