Namibia's National Solidarity Campaign in support of Cuba has raised more than 700,000 Namibian dollars in donations from citizens, which will be used to purchase medical supplies and other essential materials for the Cuban population.
This campaign was launched in April by the Namibia-Cuba Friendship Association and the Sam Nujoma Foundation in response to the fierce campaign of strangulation imposed by the United States government against the island.
Since its inception, the campaign has garnered support from a broad platform that includes representatives from the government and civil society, such as political parties, the church, labor unions, youth groups, students, war veterans, business leaders, former ambassadors, and the "Patria" Association of Cuban residents.
Helmut Angula, the Chairperson of the National Organizing Committee of the campaign, a Namibian politician and writer, who served as the SWAPO Party's representative in Cuba from 1977 to 1986, stated at a press conference that "The Republic of Cuba has been subjected to an illegitimate and debilitating commercial and financial blockade by the United States under successive administrations.
"The blockade has caused a humanitarian crisis for the Cuban people. Faced with this precarious situation, the Namibian people have joined with people of goodwill around the world to help Cuba in this time of need," the legendary politician affirmed.
"Our immediate goal is to ensure that vital medical supplies reach those who need them. Every contribution from Namibians will make a huge difference and save precious lives," he declared.
He added that the campaign will continue and that it does not have a specific fundraising goal, but that reaching one million Namibian dollars would be a great achievement.
The Cuban ambassador to Namibia, Sergio Vigoa de la Uz, thanked the Namibian people for this extraordinary effort. “I thank the people of Namibia for this tangible solidarity campaign. It is a gesture that comes from sisters and brothers. The amount raised is not important. What is valuable is that Namibia is once again opening its heart to the Cuban people,” he expressed.
MEDIA STATEMENT
By Kangulohi HelmutAngula, Chairman of the National Solidarity Campaign with Cuba
Esteemed Members of the Media!
Esteemed Members of the Public!
The Republic of Cuba has been under illegitimate and debilitating economic commercial and financial blockade by the United States of America for over six decades. This economicblockadewasintensified by the current US administration by the addition of fuel blockade, causing severe energy and humanitarian crises.Lately, the United States has imposed sanctions against the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP). The cumulative effect of these blockade has brought about untold humanitarian crises on the people of Cuba.
The people of Namibia have benefitted and continue to benefit from the generosity of the Cuban people. The contribution of the Cuban people to the attainment of Namibian independence is well known tomany Namibians. The battle of Cuito Cuanavale, in which the gallant fighters ofthe Angolan Army, FAPLA,Cuban armed forces and the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia was a turning point in the struggle for independence that culminated in the independence of Namibia. Following the attack by South Africa Apartheid regime on Cassingaon the 4 May 1978,it was the Cuban troops stationed at Chamutete who came to the rescue of the defenseless Namibians. The Government of Cuba took in Namibian children and provided them with protection, education and a conducive environment that enhances human development. Most of these erstwhile children are contributing to the socio-economic development of Namibia. After independence, Cuba provided Namibia with experts who made tremendous contribution to Namibia.These experts are today victims of the illegal commercial sanctions.
Faced with this precarious situation, the Namibian people have joined the people of good will around the world to assist Cuba in her hour of need. We prescribe to the old adage that “a Friend in need is a Friend indeed”. We decided to lend a hand of support to ease the plight of the Cuban people by making tangible contributions to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Cuba. On the 22 April 2026, I had the honour to launch the non-partisan national campaign that appeals to all Namibians to give financial contributions whether large or small to procure the critical and urgent commodities to be delivered to Cuba especially in the energy and health sectors. We had received good and encouraging response from the people of Namibia. I have therefore called this media conference to briefthe media, and through you, the people of Namibia on what has been done thus far and what needs to be done going forward. This is not a once off effort.
The response from the Namibian people has been inspiring and demonstrates the enduring bonds of solidarity and friendship between Namibia and Cuba. Following consultations with Cuban partners, the immediate priority is the procurement and delivery of essential medical supplies to support healthcare facilities facing critical shortages. According to information received by the campaign, Cuba’s health sector continues to face significant challenges, including shortages of medicines, medical consumables, and equipment. These shortages have had a serious and devastating impact on healthcare delivery, particularly for vulnerable groups, including children and patients requiring specialised treatment.
The National Solidarity Committee with Cuba, which oversees the campaign established four Sub-Committees to focus on specific areas of the campaign and provide synergy among themselves. These are Information and Public Relations chaired by Ms UmbiKaruaihe-Upi, Mobilization and Outreach chaired by MrKalumbiShangula, Fundraising chaired by Ms Lucy Edwards-Jauch, and Finance and Logistics chaired by Ms AddaAngulaMoyo. An amount of Seven Hundred Thousand, Ninety-Three Namibian Dollars(N$700 093,00) which is equivalent to FourtyTwo Thousand Two Hundred and Thirty-EightUS dollars and seventeen cents ($42,238.17) has been collected, but considering the gravity of the situation in Cuba, we need much more.
As a result, the campaign will proceed with the procurement of a first batch of urgently needed international medical supplies, which will be shipped to Cuba as soon as logistical arrangements are finalised.
The humanitarian situation requires urgent action.Our immediate focus is to ensure that life-saving medical supplies reach those who need them most. Every contribution made by Namibians will make a big difference and save precious lives.
The campaign reiteratethat its efforts are guided by humanitarian principles and are intended to provide practical assistance to the Cuban people during a period of considerable socio-economic hardship.
The National Solidarity Committeewith Cuba further called upon Namibians and the international community to continue supporting humanitarian initiatives aimed at strengthening access to healthcare and essential services in Cuba.
The campaign will provide further updates as progress is made.
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