Havana, March 28 (RHC)-- African ambassadors to Cuba commemorated the 37th anniversary of the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale in Havana on Friday, an event considered a turning point for peace and the liberation of the southern part of the African continent.

South African Ambassador Yvonne Nkwenkwezi emphasized that the military confrontation was a collective effort that brought together people of different nations, ideologies, and backgrounds united by a common vision of a just and free world.

At an event held at the Havana Hotel Nacional, the diplomat, representing the Southern African Development Community (SADC), emphasized that the lessons of the battle remain relevant, "as we continue to fight for peace, justice, and equality in every corner of the planet."

“Today we gather to honor Cuba's exceptional contribution and express our sincere gratitude for the legacy of friendship between our nations that continues to inspire us,” he said.

Nkwenkwezi believed that recognizing the legacy of the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale fosters a deeper understanding of historical accounts and their relevance to contemporary issues, while recalling the friendly relations between the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, and those in Southern Africa.

Words are insufficient to express gratitude for the selfless sacrifices of Cubans in Southern Africa, “hence we support the call to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism and to fully lift the embargo imposed by the United States,” he declared.

He emphasized that the event held this Friday also commemorates Southern African Liberation Day, celebrated every March 23rd, "to honor and recognize the struggles, sacrifices, and achievements of the countless men and women who fought, died, and sacrificed for the freedom and dignity of the people of the continent."

For his part, Cuban internationalist fighter and retired Colonel Venancio Ávila expressed the pride his comrades still feel for having contributed to the Angolan people's struggle in their defense of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"From Fidel Castro, we learned that being an internationalist is nothing more than repaying a debt of gratitude to Africa and humanity; as the historic leader of this revolution said, without Africa, without its sons and daughters, without its culture and customs, without its languages ​​and its gods, Cuba would not be what it is today."

The Battle of Cuito Cuanavale took place between November 15, 1987, and March 23, 1988, and is considered one of the largest military engagements on the African continent since World War II.

The battle also marked the beginning of the end of the apartheid regime in South Africa, leading to the establishment of March 23rd as Southern African Liberation Day in 2018, by agreement of the heads of state and government of the Southern African Development Community.

[ SOURCE:  PRENSA LATINA ]