Windhoek
The late Cuban revolutionary icon Fidel Castro provided hope, inspiration and impeccable leadership for the Swapo military wing, the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (Plan) during the difficult times for the independence struggle.
Swapo party Secretary for Information and Mobilisation, Helmut Angula said in a statement yesterday.
“To millions of people, he was more than just a man. He was a symbol of the struggle for freedom, justice, equality, and human dignity not only for Cubans, but for humankind,” he said.
The former Cuban president and communist leader who had so much global influence died in Havana on Friday aged of 90.
Angula said Castro’s selfless sacrifices inspired revolutionaries in all corners of the world to fight relentlessly for justice, freedom and human dignity.
“He leaves us with a wealth of legacy and great vision to strive for self-reliance and wellbeing for the people of our country,” he said.
Castro will be remembered for the immense sacrifices paid by Cuba nationals under his leadership in the fight for Namibia’s freedom, reminisced Angula.
“The rescue during the attack on the Namibian refugee camp in Cassinga by the ruthless racist troops in 1978, and the decisive battle of Quito Cuanavale and of Chipa are some of President Castro’s memorable sacrifices in the our history,” he said.
Overall, he said, ‘Comandante’ Castro was tempted international leader who stood firm during the harshest American blockade against Cuba.
“The blockade was aimed to force Cuba under the leadership of Comandante Castro to abandon the socialist revolution, but the revolution endured and remained a shining star of the oppressed,” he said.
He said Castro’s track record in uplifting the education, health care system and social wellbeing of the Cuban people in unmatched in recent human history.
“We have lost an international icon and true servant of mankind,” Angula said, adding that on behalf of the Namibian people he conveys heartfelt and deepest condolences to the government and the people of Cuba and to the Castro family.
Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz was born on August 13, 1926, near Birán, Cuba—died November 25, 2016, Cuba) political leader of Cuba (1959–2008) who transformed his country into the first communist state in the Western Hemisphere.
He became a symbol of communist revolution in Latin America.
He held the title of premier until 1976 and then began a long tenure as president of the Council of State and the Council of Ministers.
He handed over provisional power in July 2006 because of health problems and formally relinquished the presidency in February 2008.
Nine days of mourning began for the Cold War icon, who dominated the island’s political life for generations.