Background on the Situation in Cuba
Cuba, a Caribbean island nation governed by the Communist Party, has experienced an unprecedented surge in protests since 2022. The country has faced a severe energy crisis, with six widespread blackouts in less than three years. The Cuban population of approximately 9.7 million endures daily power cuts, with an average of 15 hours per day in August.
The Cuban government attributes the energy infrastructure’s deterioration to the U.S. embargo, which restricts repairs for its aging thermoelectric plants and diesel generator groups scattered across the country. These generators require scarce fuel to operate.
Protests Against Power Outages
On March 17, 2024, hundreds of Cubans took to the streets in Santiago de Cuba, Bayamo, and Santa Marta amid a tense weekend of power outages lasting up to 13 hours daily in some provinces. These demonstrations were the largest since the social outbreak in July 2021, which left hundreds imprisoned, some with sentences of up to 25 years.
According to the Cuban Supreme Court, 15 protesters were sentenced in Bayamo, with eight receiving six to nine years, five getting three to five years, and two being assigned corrective labor without incarceration. The charges included public disorder, attempted crime, resistance, contempt, disobedience, and incitement to commit a crime.
Impact on Daily Life
In addition to power outages, water shortages have also affected Cuban residents. A resident of Gibara, a picturesque town, reported experiencing more than 20 hours without electricity and weeks without water. The Observatorio Cubano de Derechos Humanos confirmed 27 detentions in Gibara, with four individuals still imprisoned. Cubalex, another human rights organization, verified four arrested protesters in Gibara.
Statistics on Arrests
Laritza Diversent, director of Cubalex, reported that at least 180 people were detained during power outage protests between 2022 and September 2025. This figure represents a partial count based on immediate denunciations during arrests.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main reason for Cuba’s energy crisis? The Cuban government attributes the crisis to the U.S. embargo, which restricts repairs for its aging thermoelectric plants and diesel generator groups.
- What charges were Cuban protesters convicted of? The charges included public disorder, attempted crime, resistance, contempt, disobedience, and incitement to commit a crime.
- How many people have been arrested during power outage protests? At least 180 people have been detained during such demonstrations between 2022 and September 2025, according to Cubalex.
