PRESIDENT Nangolo Mbumba has reiterated Namibia’s unwavering and unrelenting support for Cuba’s continued fight against the USA’s unilateral economic, financial and commercial blockade. 

This blockade has been in force for 60 years since it was imposed in 1962 in response to what the US termed “the Cuban missile crisis”. 

Mbumba, who is in Cuba on a two-day working visit, made the remarks yesterday while receiving the prestigious National Order of José Martí, which is named after Cuba’s national hero and revolutionary. He was bestowed the honour by his Cuban counterpart Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermúdez during a glittering ceremony in Havana. 

While receiving the accolade, Mbumba reminded president Bermúdez and by extension reassured the Cuban people of Namibia’s firm and continued support towards the island nation’s fight against the USA’s blockade. 

 The blockade has prevented American businesses from conducting trade or commerce with Cuba, and has negatively impacted all sectors of the Cuban economy. Along with the economic sanctions, the USA has also listed Cuba as a State sponsor of terrorism, something Mbumba yesterday described as unfounded and unacceptable. 

The Namibian Head of State labelled the ongoing blockade as the most enduring and inhumane trade embargo in modern history – and one that must be fiercely challenged on all diplomatic fronts by the entire global community. 

“Namibia is among 187 progressive countries that voted at the 79th United Nations General Assembly to end the economic blockade against Cuba, demonstrating that Cuba is not alone in this fight for justice. I would like to reassure the government and the people of Cuba of Namibia’s unwavering commitment and support until we all see Cuba free from this unjust and illegal economic blockade,” he stressed. 

Last year, the UN General Assembly voted overwhelmingly against the USA’s economic and trade blockade, which saw a total of 187 countries voting for a UN resolution to be put forward each year against the embargo. 

At last year’s gathering, only the USA itself and Israel voted in favour of the blockade, while Ukraine abstained. 

But sustained and growing support in the UN chambers is what keeps the Cuban people hopeful and resolute that the decades-long blockade must be removed by all diplomatic means necessary. 

Mbumba also assured the Cuban people and their government of Namibia’s President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s support, saying he is fully-confident that the incoming administration under her will continue strengthening relations between the two countries at all levels of cooperation. 

National honour 

On being honoured with one of Cuba’s highest national accolades, Mbumba thanked president Bermúdez for the honour of joining a distinguished league of statesmen and women recognised by Cuba. 

“I am greatly humbled by this honour, which you and the people of Cuba have bestowed upon me. I deeply appreciate becoming a partaker in the revolutionary torch ignited by this great leader. Thank you from the depths of my heart. Muchas gracias,” he noted. 

Mbumba is the third Namibian leader to receive this honour. Late president Hage Geingob was posthumously awarded the National Order of José Martí, while Founding President and Father of the Namibian Revolution, Sam Nujoma, likewise received this prestigious award. This honours and symbolises the strong bonds of friendship between Namibia and Cuba. 

The Namibian statesman then used the platform to extend sympathy to the Cuban government and people for the hardship endured following the devastation caused by Hurricane Oscar and Hurricane Rafael. 

“Our thoughts are with our Cuban brothers and sisters who lost lives, and homes, and suffered economic damage because of these storms,” Mbumba stated. 

Relations 

The President, who is in Cuba at the invitation of president Bermúdez, emphasised the enduring solidarity between Namibia and Cuba, rooted in their joint fight against apartheid colonialism. 

“Namibia and Cuba are united by a common history, the spirit of solidarity, and shared principles of justice and freedom. It is with deep humility, respect and admiration for the ideals of José Martí that I dedicate this national award to the people of Namibia and Cuba, and the everlasting brotherhood between our nations,” Mbumba reiterated. 

Over the years, bilateral relations between Namibia and Cuba have grown stronger. Currently, 180 Namibian medical science graduates trained in Cuba are integrating into Namibia’s national healthcare system. 

In addition, 33 Namibian youths recently arrived in Cuba to begin undergraduate and post-graduate studies in engineering and other technical fields. 

In Namibia, 93 Cuban health professionals and 21 Cuban engineers and architects are assisting in delivering quality healthcare, and building essential public infrastructure. 

To further strengthen ties, Mbumba announced the elevation of the Cuba- Namibia Joint Working Group Meeting to an Inter-governmental Commission for Bilateral Cooperation. An agreement was signed yesterday during the visit. 

“This marks a new chapter in our partnership, as we take Cuba-Namibia relations to even greater heights of cooperation,” he noted.