“May the example of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz and the Moncada martyrs inspire us to continue building bridges of friendship between Cuba and Namibia,” stated Ambassador Sergio Vigoa de la Uz during the commemorative event marking the 73rd anniversary of the assaults on the Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes barracks.
The event marking National Rebellion Day took place at the Fidel Castro Ruz Primary School, an educational center located in the heart of Katutura with 1,900 students—children from humble families in this settlement, which holds a painful history linked to the apartheid regime.
This day of patriotic reaffirmation was preceded by a magnificent caravan organized by the Namibia-Cuba Friendship Association to reject the economic, commercial, and financial blockade, as well as the policy of energy strangulation imposed by the United States against the largest of the Antilles.
Cuban residents, aid workers, and Namibian friends in solidarity joined the initiative, which also paid tribute to the centenary of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro. Decked out in national colors, the caravan conveyed a message of unity, resistance, and support for Cuba, while denouncing the blockade's impact on the daily lives of the Cuban people.
“We extend our deep appreciation to the friends who joined the car caravan that traveled through the streets of Windhoek this morning to condemn the blockade and actions aimed at intensifying its effects, such as the infamous declaration that Cuba poses a threat to the United States,” said the Cuban diplomat.
The event -which featured a distinctive cultural performance of traditional dances by children from the school- recalled the historical significance of the attacks on the Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes barracks. Led by Fidel Castro on July 26, 1953, these actions are considered the starting point of the definitive phase of the revolutionary struggle in Cuba.
“To speak of July 26 is to speak of Fidel Castro Ruz as the historic leader of the Cuban revolutionary process. His ability to organize, unite wills, and maintain confidence during the most difficult moments allowed his leadership to transform Cuba into a benchmark for solidarity and cooperation among peoples,” noted the Cuban diplomatic representative.
Vigoa de la Uz highlighted the shared history of friendship, respect, and cooperation between Cuba and Namibia—forged during the most challenging times of the struggle for independence through the convergence of revolutionary ideals and the deep friendship uniting Commander Fidel Castro and Founding Father Sam Nujoma.
He also expressed gratitude to the thousands of people who have joined the Namibians in Solidarity with Cuba Campaign. Thanks to their generosity and commitment, a valuable donation of medical supplies and solar power generation systems will be sent to the island—a concrete contribution toward alleviating the hardships faced by the Cuban people.
Ambassador Tuliameni Kalomoh, Deputy Head of the National Committee for the Namibians in Solidarity with Cuba Campaign, spoke to the audience about the island's role in Namibia's struggle for independence and the example it sets for the world, while also condemning the genocide being perpetrated by the United States against the heroic Cuban people.
For his part, Rafael Ramírez Guerra, president of the "Patria" Association of Cuban residents, highlighted the deep bonds of friendship and cooperation uniting Cuba and Namibia, and thanked the government and people of the "Land of the Brave" for their support during the difficult times the homeland is currently facing.
Inspired by the Commander-in-Chief's legacy of solidarity, Namibia joined the global observance of the centenary of his birth. In this context, the ambassador launched a drawing contest for students at the school—a tribute to the man who made internationalism, education, and cooperation among peoples the essential foundations of his thought and work.
As part of the event at the Katutura primary school, Cuban doctors held a health fair for the benefit of the school's students, teachers, and staff. With great care and professionalism, they provided consultations and health promotion and prevention services to maore than 400 learners, demonstrating the spirit of solidarity that characterizes Cuban cooperation efforts worldwide.
The commemoration was marked by a festive, fraternal atmosphere, with children, youth, and adults participating in recreational games and sports activities organized by Namibian and Cuban technicians and sports specialists; a highlight was an interactive anti-doping campaign booth, which served both promotional and educational purposes.
Attendees at the commemorative event included Venezuela’s Ambassador to Namibia, Magaly Henriquez; His workship Mayor of the City of Windhoek, Sakarias Uunona; Hilma Nikanor, Special Advisor to the Minister of Defence and SWAPO Politburo member; Vicki Toivo ya Toivo, widow of the great friend of Cuba and SWAPO founder Andimba Toivo ya Toivo; General Martin Shali, President of the Association of Namibian Former Ambassadors; and former Namibian ambassadors to Cuba, Claudia Grace Uushona and Samuel Goagoseb.
