Ngurare Reaffirms Namibia’s Unwavering Support for Cuba
Namibia has reaffirmed its unwavering support for Cuba, with Prime Minister Dr Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare calling on the international community and the United Nations to push for an end to the United States’ economic embargo against the Caribbean nation.
Speaking at the inaugural Fidel Castro International Colloquium, held at the Havana Convention Palace in Cuba, Ngurare said Namibia would not abandon Cuba in the face of growing economic pressure.
“We are here to reaffirm that Cuba is not alone. We shall never forget Operation Carlota. Cubans died and shed their precious blood for our freedom. We stand by Cuba, as a matter of principle and humanity,” he said.
Ngurare also urged the United Nations to use its authority to help secure an end to the embargo, arguing that Cubans should be allowed to live in peace and exercise their right to self-determination.
“We ask the UN to use all the powers it has to compel the US to lift its embargo on Cuba,” the Prime Minister said.
He stressed that Namibia’s support for Cuba would remain firm, regardless of pressure or changing international alliances.
“And those new friends we now have after independence, if they are friends indeed, must equally not expect Namibia to abandon Cuba. That, we will never do. It is, indeed, inhuman and immoral for them to expect us to do so,” Ngurare said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the historical ties between the two countries, particularly Cuba’s military assistance to Namibia during the liberation struggle.
Through Operation Carlota, Cuban forces provided military support that contributed to the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale, a major confrontation widely regarded as a turning point in the struggle against apartheid South Africa.
Ngurare said Namibia therefore has both a historical and moral responsibility to stand with the Cuban people.
His remarks were echoed by other speakers at the colloquium, who stressed that no country should have the authority to determine the future of another sovereign nation.
The event was held to commemorate the centennial of the late Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro.
