The Prime Minister of Namibia, Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare, has publicly called on the citizens, businesses, and institutions of his nation to participate in a humanitarian aid campaign aimed at supporting Cuba amidst its severe economic and energy crisis.
During a meeting last week in Windhoek with the Cuban ambassador, Sergio de la Uz, Ngurare invoked the longstanding ties between the two countries, emphasizing the importance of reciprocating the support Cuba provided during African liberation struggles, as detailed in a statement from his office.
"They came to die for us, and it would be extremely selfish of us to forget them. We stand with you during this difficult time," declared the Namibian leader.
A Dire Situation in Cuba
Ngurare expressed deep concern over the current plight of the Cuban population and highlighted the humanitarian consequences of the crisis.
"This is wicked. Cuba is enduring a humanitarian crisis with unprecedented social and economic hardships. People can go 48 hours without electricity. Hospitals are lacking critical medications, and surgeries are often canceled due to medical shortages," he stated.
Solidarity Campaign Efforts
The solidarity campaign, initiated this year by the Namibia-Cuba Friendship Association and the Sam Nujoma Foundation, aims to gather funds for essential supplies and medications for the island. So far, the initiative has collected over 700,000 Namibian dollars, equivalent to approximately 43,000 U.S. dollars. Ngurare himself contributed with a donation of 5,000 Namibian dollars.
This mobilization is part of a broader effort supported by Namibia's political and social sectors. In April, the President of the National Assembly, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, endorsed a national solidarity campaign involving public institutions, businesses, religious organizations, and civil society to collect aid for the Cuban people.
Opposition to U.S. Sanctions
The Prime Minister attributed Cuba's difficulties to the U.S. embargo and reiterated Namibia's historical stance in favor of lifting the sanctions against the island.
In May, Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah described the U.S. energy embargo as "unacceptable" and "very unfortunate," prompting public gratitude from Díaz-Canel, who stated that "Cuba is not alone."
The ties between the two nations date back to Cuba's involvement in Africa during the 1970s and 1980s. Thousands of Cuban military personnel and cooperants were present in the region during the conflicts leading to Namibia's independence, an episode that remains a significant part of the African country's political memory.
"Cuba is being suffocated to death. Cubans died and shed their precious blood for our freedom. We must support Cuba, as a matter of principle," Ngurare concluded.
Understanding Namibia's Support for Cuba
Why is Namibia supporting Cuba?
Namibia is supporting Cuba due to the historical ties and support Cuba provided during African liberation struggles. The Namibian leadership believes in reciprocating this solidarity, especially given the current crisis in Cuba.
What is the main goal of the solidarity campaign?
The main goal of the solidarity campaign is to raise funds for the purchase of essential supplies and medications for Cuba, alleviating some of the hardships faced by the people due to the economic and energy crisis.
What has been the response to the U.S. embargo on Cuba?
Namibia's leadership has consistently opposed the U.S. embargo, describing it as "unacceptable" and advocating for its lifting to help alleviate Cuba's economic difficulties.