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1. We the 183 delegates representing 26 African countries as well as Cuba and organizations from the United States of America gathered at the Fifth Continental Conference of Solidarity with Cuba held in Windhoek, Namibia, under the theme: “Intensifying Solidarity with Cuba and Preserving the Legacy of Fidel and Che”,  organized by the Government of the Republic of Namibia in conjunction with the Namibia-Cuba Friendship Association and the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), declare the following:

2. We pay tribute to the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, a man highly admired by the Cubans, revolutionaries and friends from different parts of the world, particularly on the African Continent. Over 55 years, imperialism failed in its multiple attempts to destroy him and the Cuban Revolution. Notwithstanding, today his legacy and principles remain valid and reaffirmed.

3. We equally pay tribute to another key symbol of solidarity and internationalism, Ernesto Che Guevara, on the 50th anniversary of his vile murder.

4. We reaffirm our commitment to continue to develop and further strengthen the Solidarity Movement with Cuba in each of our countries, fighting for unity and truth. We demand the end of the illegal economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed on Cuba by the United States of America and further demand that the government of the United States comply with the Resolutions adopted for that purpose by the United Nations General Assembly over the last 25 years. Furthermore, we shall continue to actively advocate for the lifting of the economic blockade on Cuba imposed by the Government of the United States and actively promote trade at the highest level.

5. We demand the unconditional return to the government and people of Cuba of the territory illegally occupied by the government of the United States at the Naval Base in Guantanamo. In this context, we strongly denounce the constant violations of human rights in the prison of the United States’ government located at the Naval Base, under the hypocrisy of fighting against global terrorism.

6. We demand respect for Cuba's right to self-determination and sovereignty and their right to pursue choose the political system of their choice.

7. We support the causes of all sister countries that are fighting for a better world, with social justice and equal opportunities worldwide. In particular, we pledge our support to Puerto Rico in their struggle for self-determination, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, and the people of Brazil, Bolivia and Argentina, and all the people of the continent who defend their sovereignty, which imperialist governments are trying to defeat.

8. We reaffirm our unwavering support for the realization of the inalienable rights of the people of Western Sahara and Palestine to self-determination, independence and statehood; and call for the implementation of the relevant UN resolutions, including the holding of the UN-supervised referendum in Western Sahara and the settlement of the Question of Palestine.

9. We applaud the work of comrade Kenia Serrano Puig, former President of ICAP, who contributed to expand and strengthen the International Solidarity Movement with Cuba during her 8 years term of office. At the same time, the Conference welcome with great satisfaction the election of the Hero of the Republic of Cuba, Fernando Gonzales Llort (one of the Cuban Five) as the new President of ICAP.

10. We commend the assistance extended by the Communist Party of Cuba, the Cuban Government and People in the socio-economic spheres. We further commend and support the Cuban professionals who have continued to render support services in our different countries for the positive impact they continue to make on the socio-economic development.

11. We express our thanks and appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Namibia for having successfully hosted the Fifth Continental Conference on Solidarity with Cuba, which would have a multiplier effect on peace and fraternity among nations and peoples.

12. We particularly express our deep appreciation to His Excellency Dr. Hage G. Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia for opening the 5th Solidarity Conference, and for his message of solidarity and unwavering support with the government and people of Cuba.

13. We also express our appreciation to His Excellency Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, for his solidarity message to the Conference.

14. We equally applaud the participation at the Fifth Continental Solidarity Conference of His Excellency Dr Sam Nujoma, Founding President of the Republic of Namibia; Comrade Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo, President of the Namibia-Cuba Friendship Association; and Commander Victor Dreke, who was Second in command of the Cuban Battalion that Che Guevara headed on its solidarity mission to Africa.

15. We welcome the offer by Nigeria to host the Sixth Continental Africa Conference in Solidarity with Cuba.

16. We pledge to strictly comply with this Declaration.

Issued by the Fifth Continental Conference of Solidarity with Cuba, held in Windhoek, Namibia, from 5th to 7th June 2017.

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.