Cuba and Africa: The history that unites us
The first day of the Fifth Continental Conference of Solidarity with Cuba in Windhoek was a representation of what our country means for Africa: brotherhood, support, strength, friendship. Precisely, "Cuba has been an integral part of our lost battles and our battles won, until the final victory," said the Namibian president Hage Geingob at the inauguration of the important event.
Before asking for a minute's silence for Fidel in the conference hall of the Namibian capital, Geingob stated that no other person has left such a lasting legacy in the struggle for self-determination.
Among the objectives of the conference, he mentioned the discussion of the priorities in the actions of solidarity and the strengthening of the ties between the organizations of the continent. Also agree on new strategies to fight against the blockade imposed by the US government on Cuba.
"Africa will continue to support the people of Cuba until the complete elimination of economic and trade restrictions is achieved."
Namibia as the venue for this important conference is another platform to further promote friendship and solidarity in our nations. "This event will lead to the development of a common African strategy to support Cuba during this difficult time due to the economic reasons associated with the blockade," he added.
On the current context of the region, he said "we are living an era in which we are witnessing the emergence of the new Africa ... but we assume that as Africans we should be responsible for our own development.
During the inaugural session, Fernando González Llort, president of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with Peoples (ICAP), emphasized: "In Africa, the essence of our nation is more than our roots."
"The complex international reality forces us to multiply our political and solidarity actions to prevent that the achievements of our people, with the amount of blood and sacrifice that these costed, be snatched from those who made them possible."
Speaking at the first session of the Fifth Continental Conference of Solidarity, the Cuban Hero reminded those present of the historical ties between the African continent and our country, as well as thanked the constant support to the cause for the return of the Cuban Five Heroes.
On Fidel's legacy, which is part of the debates of this meeting, he said: "There has never been a single non-African man in history who has done so much for Africa as Fidel. This undoubtedly leaves us the challenge to keep alive his legacy and to be consistent with his example and teachings. "
"What we have achieved to this day has been possible also thanks to the permanent solidarity we have received from the governments and peoples of the world, especially our African brothers," he said.
After cataloguing this event as transcendental, González thanked the Government and the Chancellery of Namibia, as well as the movements of solidarity for the organization of the event.
On Monday, delegates from Zimbabwe, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Zambia and Ethiopia made reference to the ties that unite them with the island. Each of them emphasized Cuba's solidarity with the African continent. Meanwhile, other participants highlighted Cuba's right to self-determination.
The Conference divided into two commissions will today work on common positions to strengthen the fight against the blockade and the return of the illegally occupied territory of Guantánamo Base. As well as concrete more actions of solidarity and promote the legacy of Fidel and Che.
The debates on Tuesday will be included in the final declaration of this solidarity meeting, which concludes on June 7.
