More than 10 million people have had electricity cut to their homes and businesses across Cuba after the country’s national electrical grid collapsed for the second time in a week.
Cuba’s energy ministry said “a total disconnection of the National Electrical System has occurred” in a statement posted on social media, adding that “protocols for restoration are already beginning to be implemented.”
The country’s grid operator, Union Electrica, said it was gradually restoring electricity, prioritising what it described as “vital” centres, including hospitals and water systems.
The Caribbean nation has now suffered three major blackouts this month, as a US fuel blockade continues to cut off foreign oil imports required to keep power stations running.
Cuba’s electricity system has long been under strain due to ageing infrastructure and persistent fuel shortages, compounding the impact of the latest outages.
Amid the deepening crisis, a coalition of international socialist groups arrived in Havana over the weekend to show support for the Cuban government, bringing aid donations including solar panels, basic food kits and medicines.
The “Nuestra America” convoy, a flotilla carrying the supplies from Mexico, was delayed by rough sea conditions but is expected to arrive at Havana’s port on Monday.
The recent wave of nationwide power cuts has also sparked rare public dissent. In central Havana, residents were seen banging pots and pans in protest on Monday.
In the central Cuban town of Moron, protesters reportedly attacked and set fire to the Communist Party headquarters on the same day.
Unauthorised demonstrations are illegal in Cuba, and those who defy the ban risk being jailed.
The blackout crisis is unfolding against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tension. Since US soldiers seized former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro on 3 January, US President Donald Trump has faced repeated questions about whether similar plans could be considered for Cuba.
Trump is reported to be pushing for the removal of Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, a regional ally of Venezuela, as a condition for lifting the US fuel embargo on the island.
Last week, Trump suggested there could be a “friendly takeover” of Cuba, later remarking that such a move would be an “honour.”
Speaking to campaigners delivering humanitarian supplies over the weekend, Díaz-Canel said the island has a “preparation plan to raise our people’s readiness for defence” in response to any potential US military aggression.
The American and Cuban governments have held initial phases of bilateral talks aimed at ending the crisis, Díaz-Canel confirmed, although it remains unclear how far those discussions have progressed.
On Friday, Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio insisted 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.”
Erizia Rubyjeana
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