Cuba experiences its second nationwide blackout in a week.

 

Power cuts leave millions of homes and businesses without power across Cuba (Image: Reuters)

After Cuba's national electrical grid failed for the second time in a week, more than 10 million people had their homes and businesses without power. In a statement that was shared on social media, Cuba's energy ministry stated that "a total disconnection of the National Electrical System has occurred." "Restoration protocols are already being put into action." The operator of the Cuban grid, UNE, stated that it was gradually recovering electricity, giving "vital" centers like hospitals and water systems priority. Due to a fuel blockade imposed by the United States that prevents it from importing foreign oil, the Caribbean nation has experienced three major blackouts this month.

Read More:Millions without electricity as Cuba's power grid collapses

The Communist-run country has an ageing electricity infrastructure and chronic fuel shortages.

 A coalition of international socialist groups arrived in Havana over the weekend to show their support for the Cuban government, bringing with them aid donations of solar panels, basic food kits and medicines.

 Due to rough seas, the aid flotilla known as "Nuestra America" was delayed in its departure from Mexico but is expected to arrive in Havana's port on Monday. Rare public dissent sparked by the recent crisis and national power cuts saw locals banging pots and pans in central Havana on Monday.  Protesters in central Cuba's town of Morón also attacked and set fire to the Communist Party headquarters on the same day.

 In Cuba, it is against the law to hold unauthorized demonstrations, and those who break the law run the risk of being imprisoned.

Donald Trump has been repeatedly questioned about similar rumored plans for Cuba since US soldiers seized former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on January 3. As a condition for lifting the fuel embargo, it is said that President Trump wants Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, a regional ally of Venezuela, removed. Trump suggested the possibility of a "friendly takeover" of Cuba last week, later stating that it would be an "honor." Speaking to campaigners delivering humanitarian supplies this weekend, the Cuban president said the island has a "preparation plan to raise our people's readiness for defence" against any US military aggression.

 Dáz-Canel has confirmed that the American and Cuban governments have held initial phases of bilateral talks to end the crisis, but it is unclear how far along those talks are. 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", Reuters reported.

Source: BBC