A national power outage has affected Cuba, leaving more than 10 million residents without electricity for the second instance in a single week as the country's electrical grid failed. The Ministry of Energy announced the "total disconnection of the National Electrical System" via social media and stated that efforts to restore power have commenced.
Union Electrica, the nation's grid operator, is working on a phased restoration, prioritizing essential facilities such as hospitals and water treatment plants. This marks the third significant power failure for the Caribbean nation this month, compounded by ongoing difficulties in securing foreign oil imports due to a U.S. fuel blockade.
The Cuban electricity infrastructure has long been challenged by outdated equipment and a chronic lack of fuel, making the recent outages even more impactful. In response to the escalating crisis, a group of international socialist organisations arrived in Havana over the weekend, bringing much- needed aid including solar panels, food packages, and medical supplies.
This aid convoy, known as "Nuestra America," departed from Mexico and is anticipated to reach Havana's port on Monday, despite earlier delays caused by adverse sea conditions. International socialist groups have arrived in Havana to offer support and deliver aid packages comprising solar panels, food kits, and medicines.
The recent series of widespread blackouts has also triggered rare public demonstrations. On Monday, residents in central Havana were heard banging pots and pans in protest. Similarly, in the central Cuban town of Moron, reports indicate that protesters attacked and set fire to the Communist Party headquarters on the same day.
Public demonstrations are not permitted in Cuba and can lead to imprisonment. The current power crisis is occurring alongside increased geopolitical tensions. Following the apprehension of former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro by U.S. troops on January 3rd, questions have arisen regarding potential similar actions against Cuba.
Reports suggest that U.S. President Donald Trump is advocating for the removal of Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, an ally of Venezuela, as a condition for lifting the U.S. fuel embargo. Trump recently commented on the possibility of a "friendly takeover" of Cuba, which he later described as an "honour."
President Diaz-Canel stated that the island has a "preparation plan to raise our people’s readiness for defence" in anticipation of potential U.S. military intervention. He also confirmed that initial bilateral talks between the U.S. and Cuba aimed at resolving the crisis have taken place, though the progress of these discussions remains uncertain.
Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio asserted on Friday that "the political system of Cuba is not up for negotiation, and of course neither the president nor the position of any official in Cuba is subject to negotiation with the United States."
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