Cuban University Students Stage Rare Protest Amid Energy and Internet Shortages

Havana, Cuba — Dozens of university students gathered on the iconic steps of the University of Havana on Sunday in a rare public protest, voicing frustration over persistent electricity outages and unreliable internet services that they say are disrupting their education. The demonstration took place in Havana, where around 20 to 30 students staged a peaceful sit-in for several hours, holding umbrellas under the hot sun while demanding urgent solutions to the country’s worsening energy and connectivity problems. The protest is notable in Cuba, where public demonstrations especially by student

Havana, Cuba — Dozens of university students gathered on the iconic steps of the University of Havana on Sunday in a rare public protest, voicing frustration over persistent electricity outages and unreliable internet services that they say are disrupting their education. The demonstration took place in Havana, where around 20 to 30 students staged a peaceful sit-in for several hours, holding umbrellas under the hot sun while demanding urgent solutions to the country’s worsening energy and connectivity problems. The protest is notable in Cuba, where public demonstrations especially by students are uncommon. Students said the ongoing blackouts and weak internet access have made it increasingly difficult to attend online or hybrid classes, submit assignments, and conduct research. Many universities in Cuba still rely partly on digital platforms for coursework, making consistent electricity and connectivity essential. “We cannot study without electricity or internet,” one student told local reporters during the gathering. “We are here because we want to learn and finish our degrees.” The protest comes as Cuba faces a prolonged energy crisis caused by fuel shortages and aging power infrastructure. Frequent power cuts have affected households, businesses, and public institutions across the island in recent months. University officials later met with several student representatives to discuss the concerns raised during the sit-in. While authorities did not immediately announce concrete measures, the meeting signaled a willingness to address the students’ complaints. For many students, the issue goes beyond technology. Some travel long distances to campus only to find classes cancelled due to power outages, while others struggle to afford mobile data packages to stay connected. “I just want a chance to study like students anywhere else,”  another protester said. The peaceful demonstration highlights growing frustration among Cuba’s youth, who say the energy crisis is not only affecting daily life but also threatening their academic future.