In Cuba where anger is rising against shortages, the government denounces destabilization

In Cuba, the government warned against "terrorists based in the United States" and "the enemies of the Revolution" which he believes are exploiting the wave of anger against the long power cuts and food shortages in the country.

Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of Santiago de Cuba (South-East) on Sunday, the country's second city, where residents have been deprived of electricity several times in recent days, sometimes 14 hours.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said on the social network .

He warned against “the enemies of the Revolution” who exploit this context “for destabilizing purposes”, castigating “terrorists based in the United States, whom we have denounced on several occasions, who encourage actions to destabilize the country “.

The United States Embassy in Havana, February 20, 2024 in Cuba © AFP – YAMIL LAGE

The United States Embassy in Cuba called on the Cuban government to “respect the rights (…) of the demonstrators”. Foreign Ministers, Bruno Rodriguez, then urged Washington not to “interfere in the country's internal affairs”, on the same social network.

On social networks, images of demonstrations in Santiago de Cuba, as well as in Bayamo, in the neighboring province of Granma, were broadcast without AFP being able to immediately verify their authenticity.

In Santiago de Cuba (510,000 inhabitants), “people were shouting 'food and electricity'”, a resident who requested anonymity told AFP by telephone. Electricity returned later in the day and “two trucks of rice” were delivered.

Internet data services for cell phones have been suspended in the city, according to several witnesses.

– “Everything is expensive” –

Long power outages and food shortages have pushed people to “go out into the streets,” said a 28-year-old beautician who lives in another neighborhood of Santiago and who also wanted to keep anonymity. “Everything is expensive and salaries are low.”

“Let's hope that solutions emerge,” local archbishop Dionisio García said by telephone, confirming that the situation “was very difficult” in the city due to the cuts and hoping that “everyone can live with more serenity and tranquility”.

Since the beginning of March, Cuba has been facing a new wave of outages due to maintenance work on the Antonio Güiteras thermoelectric plant, the largest on the island, located in the province of Matanzas. © AFP – Yamil LAGE

Since the beginning of March, Cuba has been facing a new wave of breakdowns due to maintenance work on the Antonio Güiteras thermoelectric plant, the largest on the island, located in the province of Matanzas (center), about a hundred kilometers away. east of Havana.

This weekend, the problem was compounded by the fuel shortage affecting the entire country. The fuel is needed to power other operational thermoelectric plants.

The entire island of Cuba was “affected” by power outages, including the capital, Cuban authorities said on Saturday.< /p>

Sunday's demonstration is the largest since those of 2022 when the island experienced daily power outages which had already provoked protests in several provinces as well as in La Havana.

In 2022, Cuba experienced an unprecedented drop in its electricity production and even a widespread blackout caused by Hurricane Ian on September 27. The situation had improved in 2023.

Cubans queue in front of a bakery in Havana, March 8, 2024 © AFP – YAMIL LAGE

Cuba's electricity generation system consists of eight old thermoelectric plants, as well as generators and eight generator boats leased from Turkey, also affected by the lack of fuel.

The Cuban economy has failed to recover since the coronavirus pandemic.

The weaknesses of its centralized system have worsened, at the same time as the American embargo, in force since 1962, has been strengthened. In 2023, GDP will increase is contracted by 2%, according to official figures.

Vehicles overturned on a street in Havana during a protest against Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, July 11, 2021 © AFP – YAMIL LAGE

Nearly three years ago, Cuba experienced major anti-government protests after months of confinement and absence of tourists.

On July 11, 2021, thousands of Cubans demonstrated in an unprecedented way, shouting “We are hungry!” or “Down with the dictatorship!”.

Hundreds of protesters were sentenced to up to 25 years in prison.

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