Freetown, August 13, 2026.—The Cuban Embassy in Sierra Leone commemorated the 100th anniversary of Fidel Castro’s birth, together with diplomats, Sierra Leonean graduates of Cuban universities, and friends of solidarity. The event highlighted the political, internationalist, and solidarity-based legacy of Fidel Castro Ruz, the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution.
During the gathering, the feature-length film “Fidel es Fidel” by renowned Cuban filmmaker and cinematographer Roberto Chile was screened; it compiles moving images and pivotal moments in the life of the revolutionary leader (1926–2026).
Chile, who served as Fidel Castro’s personal cameraman for more than three decades, combined previously unseen audiovisual material and photographs taken between 2005 and 2012 to showcase Castro’s humanity, daily life, and historical legacy.
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the remarks by the Director General of the Diplomatic Academy of Sierra Leone, Ambassador Sulaiman Daramy, who emphasized the historical significance of Fidel Castro and the enduring relevance of his ideas, which are associated with the defense of national independence, human dignity, solidarity among peoples, and the construction of a more just and equitable international order.
For his part, the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Mr. Zhao Yong, recalled in his speech the decisive role played by the Cuban leader in establishing and strengthening relations between Cuba and China, highlighting the example of cooperation between two socialist countries and the solidarity between both nations of the Global South.
During his remarks, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Mr. Javad Dehghan Haghighi Lotfabadi, described Fidel as a great leader of the Cuban Revolution and a dear friend of the Iranian people, highlighting the deep admiration he commands in Iran. He also reiterated Iran’s support for Cuba in defending its sovereignty and its right to free development, and reaffirmed the commitment to continue strengthening friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
Representatives of Sierra Leoneans who graduated from Cuban universities stated that Fidel Castro left an indelible mark and serves as a role model in the lives of those who had the opportunity to study in Cuba; they also thanked the island for training them to become professionals capable of contributing to the development of their communities.
The participants agreed that Fidel Castro’s legacy remains relevant as a guiding principle for those who defend sovereignty, social justice, solidarity, and the self-determination of the world’s peoples
Cuban Embassy in Sierra Leone