Namibia, June 21st, 2019- With the presence of more than a hundred people, among whom were members of the Namibian chancellery, SWAPO militants, members of the Namibia - Cuba Friendship Association, Cuban collaborators and residents, The Day of National Rebellion was celebrated at the headquarters of the Embassy of Cuba in Namibia. During the emotional ceremony, tribute was also paid to Ernesto Che Guevara, for the 91 anniversary of his birth.
During the cultural and political gala, the Secretary General of the Namibia - Cuba Friendship Association, Cecilia Muzile, made a strong statement on behalf of that organization, condemning the resurgence of the economic, commercial and financial blockade of the United States government. against Cuba, the unjust incarceration of former Brazilian President Luis Ignacio "Lula" da Silva and the imperialist offensive against Venezuela.
The General Secretary also highlighted the historical significance of the Assault on the Moncada Barracks and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, as a fact that initiated the last period of struggles for the definitive independence of Cuba. He also highlighted the impact that the Cuban revolutionary process, restarted on July 26, had on the lives of millions of people around the world.
In this sense, Cecilia recalled Cuba's solidarity and disinterested aid to Namibia during the struggle for the independence of this African country, not only in the battlefield, but also in the spheres of education and health. Visibly moved, she recalled the assistance of Cuban troops to the survivors of the Cassinga Massacre and their subsequent trip to Cuba, to study on the Isle of Youth.
The leader of the solidarity movement with Cuba in Namibia also evoked the figure of Commander in Chief Fidel Castro, as leader of the assault on both barracks and principal architect of Cuba's unconditional support for the causes of the peoples of the world.
For his part, Ambassador Sidenio Acosta, head of the Cuban Diplomatic Mission, also highlighted the role played by Moncada in the recent history of Cuba, as the beginning of the process that would culminate with the revolutionary triumph of January 1st, 1959. Likewise, he recalled the figure of the Commander in Chief, leader of that action and of the Cuban Revolution.
The Ambassador also condemned the coercive measures of the US government against Cuba, especially the activation of Title III of the Helms - Burton Act. He highlighted the interventionist role of that policy, as well as its violation of the human rights of the people of Cuba, international laws and the Charter of the United Nations.
The Cuban diplomat also used the occasion to reiterate the support of the Revolutionary Government of Cuba to the government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and to condemn the international campaign, led by the United States, against that country. He also called for the urgent release of former President Luis Ignacio Lula da Silva.
Ambassador Acosta also recounted the main achievements of Cuban cooperation in Namibia during the last year. In this regard, he highlighted the humanistic work carried out by more than a hundred Cuban collaborators in five different sectors.
On the other hand, those present were able to enjoy the performance of Diana Zilberstain, a pianist and Cuban resident in Namibia, who performed four beautiful pieces by the outstanding Cuban musician, composer and conductor Neno Gonzáles. Other audiovisual materials related to the event were also shown.
