Protests erupt in Cuba as blackouts and shortages worsen

In the Cuban city of Moron, protesters vandalised a local office of the ruling Communist Party during a demonstration over rising food prices and frequent power cuts. Authorities said that five people have been arrested after people damaged the building overnight and set furniture on fire in the street.

Demonstrators reportedly threw stones at the building and targeted other state-run facilities, including a pharmacy and a government-operated market.

Cuba’s Interior Ministry said that specialised forces are investigating the vandalism, as reported by the BBC. Public protests are rare in this country, where political dissent is uncommon.

Shortage due to the US blockade

The unrest comes as Cubans struggle with worsening blackouts and shortages of food, fuel and medicine. The capital, Havana, has recently experienced power outages for long hours. Demonstrations were also held by students at the University of Havana because of disruptions to their studies caused by electricity shortages.

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Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel acknowledged that many complaints of the protesters were legitimate, but warned that violence would not be tolerated in the country. He acknowledged that prolonged blackouts have caused distress among citizens.

The President also confirmed that his government has been holding discussions with the United States to address differences between the two countries. It is the first time that Cuba has publicly confirmed reports of talks with the US.

The discussions, as per media reports, are aimed at finding solutions to bilateral issues and exploring possible cooperation in areas that affect both nations. The President did not provide details of the meetings.

Cuban President confirmed that no petroleum shipments have arrived in the country in the past three months, which he blamed on the US. The island country is running on natural gas, solar power and thermoelectric plants. The depletion of fuel oil and diesel has forced two power plants in the country to shut down and has limited the generation of power at solar parks.

Cuba, which produces 40 per cent of its petroleum, has been trying to generate its own power, but it hasn’t been sufficient to meet the demand. The lack of power has affected many sectors such as communications and education. The Government has had to postpone surgeries for tens of thousands of people as a result. “The impact is tremendous,” the President had previously said.

“Cubans are desperate,” said Elvis Hernandez, a resident, as reported by the Associated Press. “You can’t live without water or electricity. That’s why we want a consensus to be reached. If there are talks, let them be productive. Let them achieve something good through those conversations.” “If all of this leads to agreements and solutions that will improve our lives, then all the better, because the situation is quite difficult right now,” he said.

For Cubans, the ongoing crisis has become increasingly difficult to endure. Residents say reliable electricity and water are essential, and many hope that talks between Havana and Washington could eventually lead to solutions that improve living conditions on the island.