Rare Protests Emerge in Cuba as Economic Crisis Continues

Rare protests have erupted in Cuba as the country continues to grapple with food shortages and blackouts amid an ongoing economic crisis. President Miguel Diaz-Canel blamed the United States for the unrest, calling for calm and dialogue with the demonstrators. The protests, which took place in Santiago, saw crowds chanting for power and food as the country faces up to 18-hour power cuts that have impacted food supplies and economic activity.

The US embassy in Havana confirmed reports of protests in other locations across Cuba, urging the government to respect the human rights of protesters. While the demonstrations in Santiago remained peaceful, with no reports of arrests or clashes, internet services were reportedly disrupted following the protests. Diaz-Canel accused government “enemies” and “mediocre politicians and terrorists” in the US of trying to exploit the situation for destabilization.

The economic crisis in Cuba has been exacerbated by US trade embargoes and sanctions, in addition to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has severely reduced tourism revenue. This has led to a request for assistance from the UN’s World Food Programme, with Cuba asking for help in supplying milk to children. Despite the challenges facing the country, the government remains committed to addressing the concerns of the people and improving the situation through dialogue and peaceful means.

While Cuba has a history of cracking down on protests, particularly following the large demonstrations in July 2021, the response to the recent unrest has been less severe. The international community has criticized Cuba’s handling of previous protests, calling for respect for human rights and freedoms. As the situation continues to unfold, the government’s response to the protests and the demands for power and food will be closely monitored by both domestic and international observers.

As tensions remain high in Cuba, with the government facing growing dissatisfaction over food shortages and power outages, President Diaz-Canel’s call for calm and dialogue reflects a desire to address the root causes of the protests. The impact of the economic crisis, compounded by external factors such as US sanctions, has created a challenging environment for the Cuban people. Moving forward, the government’s ability to respond effectively to these challenges and meet the needs of its citizens will be crucial in determining the stability and prosperity of the island nation.