On Friday night, the Cuban government initiated a police operation across various areas of Havana amid a widespread blackout that plunged the city into darkness. Independent media outlet CubaNet reported that "trucks carrying Black Berets are patrolling different parts of the city. This is their response: to instill fear."
In addition, independent journalist Camila Acosta noted the presence of police patrols throughout the city amidst the energy collapse, exacerbating the tension and uncertainty felt by Havana's residents. Images and reports circulating on social media show police vehicles navigating the dimly lit streets. This deployment of special forces, historically used to suppress protests, has sparked concern among citizens who fear increased repression in response to any potential demonstrations.
Conversely, Facebook user Ramón Leyva Morales defended the police mobilization, asserting that "during the latest interruption of the National Electrical System, our police officers are on the streets. In the darkness, they serve as the light, preventing accidents, ensuring order, and addressing misconduct with professionalism and courage. Their sacrifice and dedication, away from their families and in challenging conditions, deserve our utmost respect and gratitude. Let us remain calm, adhere to the rules, and support those who protect us."
However, this perspective contrasts with the warnings that the police presence aims not only at ensuring public safety but also at controlling and intimidating the populace in anticipation of potential spontaneous protests.
The power outage occurred shortly after 8:00 p.m. on Friday due to a failure at the Diezmero substation located on the outskirts of Havana, according to the Ministry of Energy and Mines. This resulted in a significant loss of power generation in the western part of the country, leading to the collapse of the National Electrical System (SEN).
This blackout is part of a series of electrical interruptions that have plagued the country in recent months, highlighting the severe crisis facing Cuba's electricity sector. The prolonged power outages and increasing repression have fueled social unrest across the island.
In the past three years, numerous spontaneous protests have erupted in various parts of Cuba due to the economic crisis, food and medicine shortages, and deteriorating living conditions. The government's response has been to tighten surveillance and control, utilizing police and rapid response brigades to deter any expressions of dissent.
Understanding the Cuban Energy Crisis and Government Response
What caused the recent blackout in Havana?
The blackout was caused by a failure at the Diezmero substation, located on the outskirts of Havana. This led to a significant loss of power generation in the western part of Cuba, resulting in the collapse of the National Electrical System.
How has the Cuban government responded to protests?
The Cuban government has responded to protests by increasing surveillance and control measures. They have deployed police and rapid response brigades to suppress any signs of dissent and maintain public order.
Why is the energy sector in Cuba facing a crisis?
Cuba's energy sector faces a crisis due to outdated infrastructure, lack of investment, and the inability to generate sufficient power to meet demand. These issues have resulted in frequent power outages across the country.