Ngurare rejects pressure to ditch Cuba
Namibian Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has reaffirmed his country's commitment to Cuba, rejecting international pressure to distance itself from the nation. Ngurare cited Cuba's historical support during Namibia's independence struggle as the primary reason for the continued alliance.
Why it matters
The statement highlights the enduring diplomatic ties between African nations and Cuba, often in opposition to U.S. foreign policy.
Namibia has vowed not to bow to international pressure to distance itself from Cuba, with prime minister Elijah Ngurare reaffirming the country’s commitment to its long-standing ally despite the economic embargo imposed on the island nation.
Ngurare made the remarks in Havana, Cuba, on Monday during a colloquium commemorating the centenary of the birth of late Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro.
He said Namibia had a moral obligation to support Cuba, recalling the country’s role in Namibia’s liberation struggle.
“Cuba stood with us in our struggle for independence. When many turned away from us and supported apartheid South Africa, Cuba stood firm with us,” Ngurare said.
He said Namibia would not forget the role played by Cuban internationalist combatants during operation Carlota, which began in 1975 and involved more than 400 000 Cuban men and women in major battles in southern Africa.
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