The Centenary of Fidel Castro Commemorated in Zambia.
Lusaka, September 28, 2026. The Embassy of Cuba in Zambia held a touching political-cultural ceremony at its diplomatic headquarters to commemorate the centenary of the birth of Fidel Castro (August 13). The commemoration was moved to this date due to its previous coincidence with the Zambian general elections, thus linking it with the 66th anniversary of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDRs).
During the event, an audiovisual material produced by the Fidel Castro Ruz Center was screened. The documentary was translated into English by Sheila Bacallao Dueñas, daughter of the Cuban Ambassador to Zambia, as the original piece was received in Spanish. The work is considered a guide focused on resistance in the face of crises, economic and social renewal under the premise of “changing everything that must be changed,” and a tribute to historical sacrifice, honoring the dedication of heroes in defense of socialism and solidarity-based internationalism. The presentation included excerpts from the speech delivered by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez.
Additionally, a photographic exhibition dedicated to Fidel's ties with Zambia was inaugurated, and attendees were able to appreciate images of the Cuban leader with other global leaders and personalities in photographic books. In a meaningful gesture of gratitude, the printing of the exhibition's photographs was funded by the Zambian engineer George K. M. Kakana. Having undergone a successful surgery by Cuban doctors a few years ago, Mr. Kakana sponsored the display out of deep empathy and full understanding of the current difficult economic challenges the island is facing.
The Cuban Ambassador, Marileydis Dueñas Morales, recalled the origin of the CDRs—founded on September 28, 1960, in the face of external sabotage—as a bastion of participatory democracy that today articulates with the Concept of Revolution to motivate new generations against current challenges.
The gathering brought together ambassadors, members of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives of the Zambian government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, academics, leaders of the Socialist Party, solidarity movements, and graduates from the island. In a heartfelt closing, Ambassador Dueñas Morales received a historic photograph of Fidel and Kenneth Kaunda from the hands of his son, Tilyenji Kaunda, while the Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Church in Zambia, Ioannis Tsafardiris, presented portraits of the Cuban leader with Greek dignitaries and the Orthodox Patriarch. Both historic portraits were officially donated and will be sent to the Fidel Castro Ruz Center in Havana for their preservation. (EmbaCuba Zambia / Cubaminrex)
