Dear comrades and Friends,
The Namibia-Cuba Friendship Association is profoundly honoured to participate at this 7th Africa-Cuba Solidarity Conference.
First of all, we thank the African National Congress for hosting this solidarity Conference with the people of Cuba; as well as for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to us since our arrival in South Africa. We truly feel at home away from home!
We also congratulate the African National Congress in celebrating its glorious 112th anniversary and selfless struggle.
For many decades now, Cuba continues to endure the harshest illegal economic, commercial and financial blockade, unilaterally imposed by the Government of the United States to strangle the Cuban economy, create hardships for the people and undermine the Cuban Revolution.
Indeed, the blockade remains the main impediment to Cuba’s socio-economic development, as Cuba is unfairly denied access to markets, international financial aid, and technology transfers. In fact, the blockade has adversely affected Cuba’s ability to obtain basic Medicine, food; and other essentials. It has also created severe obstacles for countries looking to engage in meaningful trade, investment and economic collaboration with Cuba.
Therefore, the people of Cuba deserve our full support, and important that this Conference conveys Africa’s strong message of friendship, solidarity and admiration to the Revolutionary people of Cuba and their Revolutionary Government at this time of need. As Africans, we are deeply indebted to the people of Cuba for the selfless contribution they made to the anti-colonial and anti-apartheid struggle on the African continent and for the internationalism and human solidarity that Cuba demonstrates today in its assistance to many of our countries.
At the same time, we recognize that the future of Africa and of every African state is linked inextricably to the example and future of Cuba. The campaign of the United States against Cuba threatens our sovereign rights to develop our countries in accordance with the desires and interests of our peoples without outside interference. An injury to Cuba is an injury to every country that strives to chart its own path to development. We salute the people of Cuba for their dignity, resilience and determination to overcome the blockade, in the interest of the people of Cuba, and of humankind.
We therefore call upon this Conference to demand the immediate and unconditional lifting of the inhumane and illegal economic, commercial and financial blockade unjustly imposed on Cuba.
Dear comrades,
This Conference represents a fitting homage to the legacy of Fidel Castro Ruz, the Historic Leader of the Cuban Revolution and a great friend of the people of Africa. In fact, under Fidel’s visionary leadership many Cuban internationalists have shared the same trenches with us in Africa’s struggle against colonialism, apartheid, underdevelopment and diseases. Moreover, thousands of Africans students have been trained, and some are still training in Cuban universities. These professionals are today contributing to the socio-economic development of their respective countries. That is a legacy of love for humankind.
It is against this background that we reject the unfair categorization and unjust inclusion of Cuba by the United States on its list of States sponsors of terrorism. All we know about Cuba is friendship and solidarity. We call upon this Conference to demand that the United States must remove Cuba from its list of States sponsors of terrorism. We also call for the immediate return of Guantanamo Naval Base, a Cuban territory illegally occupied by United States.
With regard to the implementation of the Plan of Action adopted by the 6th Africa-Cuba Solidarity Conference held in Abuja, Nigeria from 23rd to 25th September 2019, the Namibia-Cuba Friendship Association is pleased to report to this Conference that we have carried out several activities in solidarity with the people of Cuba. This includes the following, among others:
- The Association organized and participated in peaceful demonstrations in Namibia, demanding the lifting of the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed on Cuba.
- The Association issued many press releases, denouncing acts of provocation and hostilities perpetrated by the United State against Cuba.
- The Association campaigned for solidarity support to Cuba in 2023 when Cuba was affected by natural disaster (Hurricane Ian) that left immense destruction to economic infrastructure.
- The Association further made a submission during Cuba’s Universal Periodic Review at the United Nation Human Right Council in April 2023.
- Furthermore, the Association lobbied for the tabling in the National Assembly of a motion against the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed on Cuba by the United State.
Dear comrades,
This Conference is taking place against the backdrop of the slaughtering of the Palestinian people and the indiscriminate bombing of Gaza by the Israeli occupation forces, in flagrant violation of the UN Charter and international law. We are really struck by the horror of what is happening in Gaza. This is a full-fledged war of genocide against the people of Palestine. There is no way to describe what Israel is doing as anything less than war crime of genocide.
In this regard, the Namibia-Cuba Friendship Association commends the Government of South Africa for its brave decision to take Israel to the International Court of Justice to account for genocide against the people of Palestine.
Indeed, the people of Palestine have suffered enough under Israeli occupation. We believe that, like all other nations, the people of Palestine have the right to self-determination, independence and statehood. The international community should therefore not tire in calling for an immediate ceasefire and an end to Israeli illegal occupation of Palestine.
As we meet here today to express our solidarity with the fraternal people of Cuba, it is equally important not to forget the people of Western Sahara, who continue to live under foreign occupation. In this context, we reiterate our steadfast solidarity with the Saharawi people in their struggle for self-determination and independence.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to conclude by stating that every day the unilateral economic, commercial and financial blockade against Cuba exists, impacts negatively on the right of the people of Cuba to survival; it also violates the Charter of the United Nations, seriously undermines the international consensus for the UN 2030 Agenda, and undermines international peace. Therefore, let us translate our deliberations at this Conference into practical work to intensify Africa’s solidarity with the people of Cuba.
Long Live the historic bond between Namibia and Cuba!
Long live the friendship and solidarity between Cuba and Africa!
Long Live Cuba!
Long Live Africa!
I THANK YOU