Residents of Cojímar, located in the Havana del Este municipality, orchestrated a night-time protest on Wednesday in response to an extensive blackout that left several neighborhoods without power for over 20 hours. Chanting "We want power!" and banging pots and pans, the demonstrators took to the streets after enduring just four hours of electricity over the course of more than a day.
The affected areas included the Reparto Bahía and the historic center of Cojímar, where public dissatisfaction grew increasingly intense as the night progressed. Social media posts from local users described the situation as "unbearable." Residents warned that if the power wasn't restored, they would remain in the streets, a scenario that has unfolded in other parts of the country.
"The abuse towards Cubans and the people of Cojímar has gone too far," wrote one citizen online, highlighting the mere four hours of electricity in a 24-hour span. Another individual noted that tensions in the neighborhood were "heating up" and that "the night promised more," referring to the escalating atmosphere.
The citizens' demands were so compelling that within an hour of the protest's commencement, electricity was partially restored in certain areas. Residents viewed this action by the regime as a direct response to their street-level pressure. No arrests or repressive measures have been reported, and the protest remained peaceful.
Nationwide Context: Pot-Banging, Crisis, and Repression Amidst Electrical Collapse
The Cojímar protest is not an isolated incident. On Monday night, residents of El Cerro also took to the streets during a prolonged blackout that lasted more than seven hours. The clattering of pots and cries resonated around the Tejas corner until the power returned.
Three days earlier, a similar demonstration occurred in Gibara, Holguín. Videos circulating on social media captured marches with flashlights, pots, and slogans like "We want electricity!" amid an energy crisis that has already triggered several nationwide blackouts this year.
The collapse of the National Electric System has plunged the country into a critical state. On Tuesday, the electric shortfall reached 1,990 MW, with available supply falling far short of demand. The UNE attributes the crisis to technical failures, maintenance activities, and fuel shortages.
However, the Cuban populace has begun to respond with pot-banging, spontaneous marches, and night-time protests, demonstrating their dwindling patience with the regime's failure to deliver solutions.
Understanding the Impact of Cuba's Power Crisis
What triggered the protest in Cojímar?
The protest in Cojímar was triggered by a prolonged power outage that lasted over 20 hours, leaving residents with only four hours of electricity in a full day.
How did the government respond to the Cojímar protest?
The government responded by partially restoring electricity in some areas within an hour of the protest's start, indicating a reaction to the public pressure.
Are similar protests happening elsewhere in Cuba?
Yes, similar protests have occurred in other areas, including El Cerro and Gibara, reflecting widespread discontent with the ongoing energy crisis.
What is causing Cuba's current energy crisis?
Cuba's energy crisis is attributed to technical failures, maintenance issues, and a shortage of fuel, leading to frequent and severe power outages.