PRESS STATEMENT
Cuba joins the international community in commemorating Africa Day. Africa and Cuba are united by historical ties of brotherhood and solidarity.
As a result of the cruel Atlantic Slave Trade, nearly one million 300 thousand Africans arrived in our Island centuries ago. Their presence made a huge mark on our country. Africa is part of the very essence of our nation. Cubans are a Latin-African people, and we feel extremely proud of our African roots.
Since the triumph of the Revolution in 1959, Cuba has practiced a consistent and ethical policy of internationalism, being faithful to our principles of solidarity towards our African brothers and sisters.
More than 300,000 Cubans fought in Africa against colonialism and Apartheid. 2 289 of them paid the supreme sacrifice combating in this continent. Cuba’s direct contribution to Africa liberation struggles was a moral duty. We were repaying a historical debt owed to our ancestors.
On 23 March 2018, the 30th anniversary of the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale was commemorated in various countries. In South Africa, the Friends of Cuba Society (FOCUS) organized a major event at Freedom Park to also pay tribute to the Cuban fallen heroes in Cuito and other African countries.
We treasure Africa´s firm and sustained solidarity with Cuba. We deeply appreciate the African Union’s firm stance against the unilateral and illegal blockade imposed against our country for almost 60 years, the longest blockade ever recorded in history.
The people of Cuba cannot forget and will forever be grateful to the tribute by our African brothers and sisters to Commander in Chief Fidel Castro on the occasion of his passing.
On this day, the Government and people of Cuba ratify their decision to continue strengthening the bonds of brotherhood forged with Africa and reiterate their willingness to continue contributing to the implementation and fulfillment of the African Union 2063 Agenda for the development of the continent.
Thousands Cuban internationalists work on African soil today, assisting with the socioeconomic development of this continent. We are fully committed to continue strengthening relations of solidarity and cooperation with Africa.
On this day we pay tribute to the victims of colonialism, racism and oppression in Africa; and to the heroes who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for justice and freedom of this continent. As Oliver Tambo said: “The fight for freedom must go on until it is won”. Cuba will continue fighting, together with African brothers and sisters, for a better world.
Pretoria, 25 May 2018