As Cuba grapples with an escalating energy crisis that shows no signs of abating, the government has turned to the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR) for increased neighborhood surveillance against anti-socialism protests. Despite its waning relevance, the regime seeks to bolster the CDR's role in maintaining control.
During the provincial event marking the 65th anniversary of the CDR, held in Guane, Pinar del Río, officials urged transforming every surveillance unit into a "defense and combat battalion" to counter public unrest and preserve the socialist agenda. The gathering was led by Gerardo Hernández Nordelo, a former spy and the National Coordinator of the CDR, who also holds significant positions within the government.
One leader acknowledged the "complex scenario" facing Cuba today, emphasizing the need for a different approach by mobilizing citizens to support measures addressing the crisis while seeking "intelligent and creative alternatives" to sustain the revolutionary project. These statements starkly contrast with the current unpopularity of the CDR, once the country's largest mass organization, now largely inactive in many neighborhoods.
The regime's call to action highlights a strategy to uphold social control through the CDR, whose primary function remains community surveillance and reporting, despite its declining influence. Social tensions have mounted as the energy crisis deepens, sparking spontaneous protests across the island.
In Old Havana, residents have taken to social media to decry extreme living conditions, characterized by prolonged power outages, and shortages of gas, water, and food. The cry of "Everyone to the streets" has spread, revealing the exhaustion of a population enduring darkness, stifling heat, and daily uncertainty.
This unrest is not confined to the capital. In Gibara, Holguín, a blackout lasting over 24 hours incited protests with chants of "Freedom," while in Bayamo, at least 16 protesters face charges for demanding the restoration of electricity services. The government's response has involved detentions and operations, indicating an increasingly repressive strategy toward civilian discontent stemming from state inefficiency in providing basic services.
In light of this situation, the regime has reactivated the CDR as a tool of control. Recently, CDR National Coordinator Gerardo Hernández Nordelo emphasized the challenge of proving "we can resist," reaffirming the use of this organization to strengthen neighborhood vigilance against expressions of dissatisfaction. These remarks come at a time when the CDR itself acknowledges a growing loss of members and leadership, a clear indication of its diminishing legitimacy among the populace.
Understanding the Role and Challenges of CDR in Cuba
What is the primary function of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR)?
The CDR primarily serves as a community surveillance and reporting organization, tasked with maintaining social control in neighborhoods across Cuba.
Why has the CDR become unpopular in Cuba?
The CDR has lost popularity due to its perceived obsolescence and the disconnect between its intended purpose and the current needs and sentiments of the Cuban population.
How has the energy crisis in Cuba affected public sentiment?
The ongoing energy crisis has intensified public dissatisfaction, leading to spontaneous protests and heightened frustration over the government's inability to provide essential services.