In the early hours of Friday, May 24, fresh waves of public demonstrations emerged in at least two Cuban cities: Bayamo, located in Granma Province, and Cienfuegos. These protests were fueled by ongoing frustrations over extended power outages and severe shortages, with numerous videos circulating on social media capturing the events.
In Bayamo, residents on 16 de Rosa Street in the La Bayamesa neighborhood reported enduring more than 36 hours without electricity. A video captures the sound of their vocal protests piercing the darkness as they moved with flashlights. Another clip reveals groups gathering on 22nd Street, where, according to eyewitnesses, black berets with dogs were deployed to disperse the protest. Shortly after, the power was restored, seemingly in response to the public pressure.
A user who shared footage of the nighttime gathering in front of homes and in the streets, only lit by flashlights and mobile phones, commented, "Cowards, those communists!!! Don't give up, the people command."
Meanwhile, in Cienfuegos, particularly around Parque Martí, another video surfaced in the early hours showing shouts and unrest. While some viewers questioned the video's timeliness, others confirmed the city's genuine discontent and reported new demonstrations occurring in recent hours.
These incidents are part of a growing wave of protests sweeping eastern Cuba, with recent reports from cities like Santiago de Cuba. Residents from neighborhoods such as Micro 9 have taken to the streets to demand better living conditions. Phrases like “We want food!” and “Down with the dictatorship!” are frequently heard in videos shared by citizens on social media.
As CiberCuba recently reported, the island's ongoing energy crisis has resulted in power outages affecting nearly half the country, exacerbating social unrest and creating multiple points of tension across various provinces.
In recent hours, independent organizations have raised alarms about the crackdown on protesters, including arrests, increased police presence, and temporary internet blackouts in the affected areas.
Understanding the Protests in Cuba
What triggered the recent protests in Bayamo and Cienfuegos?
The recent protests were primarily triggered by prolonged power outages and severe shortages, which have left residents without electricity for extended periods.
How did the authorities respond to the protests?
Authorities responded by deploying black berets with dogs to disperse protesters, and in some areas, they restored power following public pressure.
What are the broader implications of these protests?
The protests reflect a larger trend of growing discontent in eastern Cuba, highlighting the severe impact of the island's energy crisis and the increasing demand for improved living conditions.