Protest erupts in eastern Cuba amid blackouts, food shortages

In a rare display of public dissent, hundreds of people gathered in Santiago, Cuba’s second-largest city, on Sunday, demanding “power and food” amid prolonged blackouts lasting up to 18 hours a day.

The protest, documented on social media and acknowledged by Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, reflects growing frustration over the country’s economic crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Cuba has faced severe shortages of food, fuel, and medicine, leading to a historic wave of migration to the United States, with over 400,000 people seeking refuge.

Diaz-Canel responded to the protest by calling for dialogue and acknowledging the grievances expressed by the demonstrators regarding electricity and food distribution. The government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of its citizens and improving the situation will be closely monitored amid ongoing social unrest.

Source: Reuters