Cubans take to the streets to protest against the electricity crisis and food shortages

This Sunday March 17 Cuba attracted international attention, after hundreds of people came out in the city of Santiago de Cuba to protest against the regime Miguel Diaz-Canelto demand improvements in the electrical servicegiven that in recent months the crisis in this sector has worsened as has the shortage of food and medicine.

The demonstrations were reported from Sunday afternoon just when citizens were gradually gathering on Carretera del Morro Avenue and 9th Street in Veguita de Galo.

According to the information released by the Cuban journalist Yosmany Mayela, what is happening in the city is due to the growing electricity crisis, which is why many of them shouted “current and food”.

In some videos that were posted on social networks, protesters can be seen exclaiming “Homeland and Life”, a phrase that has gained great international repercussion, given that it became a kind of anthem in the historic protests of 2021. as Infobae highlights.

In the same way, the Ciber Cuba web portal revealed that the authorities deployed a large number of police officers to contain the protest.

As happens every time this type of event occurs, the Cuban regime chose to cut off communications and internet access, to prevent information from being leaked and the world finding out what is happening there.

Faced with this situation, the NGO Prisoners Defenders, which monitors human rights in Cuba, warned that international pressure is “vital to avoid a raid” like the one on July 11.

“2024 begins with the authorities knowing that the pressure on the people of Cuba becomes unbearable and could lead to a cycle of massive popular protests again despite the immense repression that the people already know they would have to face.“said the NGO whose headquarters are located in the city of Madrid, in its report published on January 13.

Authorities recently requested help through a food assistance program from the United Nationsto ensure the supply of subsidized milk powder for children.

According to the entity, this is the first time that Cuba requests support through an official statement at the highest level of the WFP management, however it recalled that it has been developing projects on the island for quite some time.