President Nangolo Mbumba said the Cassinga massacre will always serve as a powerful reminder of the hardships endured by Namibians during their struggle for independence.
Namibia on Saturday marked the 46th commemoration since the South African colonial forces attacked the Cassinga refugee camp in Angola on 4 April 1978. The attack resulted in the deaths of 624 people, the majority of whom were women and children.
“The Cassinga massacre will forever stand out in Namibian history as a sharp reminder of the brutality inflicted against our people during our long and protracted struggle for independence,” Mbumba said in a message in remembrance of Cassinga Day.
He said the lasting trauma and scars endured by survivors and their descendants serve as a reminder of the critical importance of healing, memory, reconciliation and nation-building.
“The darkness and the scars of Cassinga on survivors and Namibians in general are with us. Indeed, they will continue to serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination of the Namibian people in their fight for their inalienable right to freedom.
Cassinga Day reminds us that we are a nation forged in the fires of adversity, tempered by the trials of history. It is our strength and our resilience that will guide us as we forge ahead with our task of nation-building and development,” Mbumba said.
He further called on Namibians to “honour the memory of those who came before us by striving continually to be worthy of the sacrifices they made. And let us equally never forget that it is only by standing together, united in purpose, that we can truly honour the legacy of the heroic men, women, and children who perished at Cassinga.”
Mbumba said the country must also reaffirm its commitment to standing in solidarity with all those around the world who are still fighting for freedom, justice,and dignity.
He said the support and solidarity Namibia received during its darkest hours from Cuba, Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and other nations serve as a testament to the power of unity in the face of oppression.
“We lend our voices in support of those who are still oppressed in Palestine and Western Sahara. By fostering alliances and working together with other nations committed to the ideals of peace and justice, we honour the legacy of those who sacrificed their lives at Cassinga,” Mbumba added.
– Nampa