Niël Terblanché
The President of the National Assembly of People’s Power of Cuba, Esteban Lazo, has expressed gratitude towards Namibia for its strong stance against the economic blockade on Cuba by the United States of America.
Lazo acknowledges this solidarity and support on his the X social media platform on Tuesday.
“We appreciate the motion approved today unanimously by the National Assembly of Namibia against the blockade imposed by the United States government against Cuba, another of the displays of solidarity historically received from this brother country,” he said.
On Monday, Namibia’s legislature passed a unanimous motion calling for the cessation of this “inhuman and unjustified” blockade and Cuba’s removal from the U.S. state-sponsors-of-terrorism list.
The motion passed in the National Assembly earlier this week reiterates the relationship deeply rooted in their shared historical struggles and post-colonial alliances and the enduring solidarity between Namibia and Cuba.
The ties between the two nations date back to significant moments in history when Cuba supported African movements for independence against colonial powers.
During the South African Border War, Cuban troops fought alongside SWAPO soldiers, helping to pressure the apartheid regime and paving the way for Namibia’s independence.
This collaboration continued over the decades, with Cuba providing substantial aid in the form of medical and educational support to Namibia.
The motion passed by the Namibian Legislature not only opposes the economic sanctions imposed by the U.S. but also demands the closure of the U.S. military base at Guantanamo Bay.
It reaffirms Namibia’s unwavering support for the Cuban Revolution and highlights the historic sacrifices made by Cuban internationalists in support of Namibia’s struggle for independence.
