Every year on 23 March, a date of immense historical weight quietly passes, often without the national reflection it deserves. It marks the anniversary of the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale, a defining confrontation not only in the liberation of Southern Africa but also in the eventual independence of Namibia. Thirty-eight years on, the memory risks fading into the background of a nation preoccupied with present challenges and future ambitions. But history, especially one written in blood and sacrifice, demands remembrance.
The battle, fought on Angolan soil, was one of the largest military engagements on the African continent since World War II. It pitted the apartheid forces of South Africa and their allies against a coalition of Angolan, Namibian, and Cuban forces. At its heart stood the unwavering commitment of Cuba, whose soldiers travelled thousands of kilometres, not for conquest or economic gain, but in solidarity with African liberation movements.
For Namibia, the outcome of Cuito Cuanavale was more than a military turning point; it was a political and psychological breakthrough. It shifted the balance of power in the region, hastened negotiations, and directly contributed to the implementation of United Nations Resolution 435, paving the way for Namibia’s independence in 1990. Without that decisive stand, history might have taken a far more protracted and painful course.
We must, therefore, never forget the gallant fight of the Cubans. Their role was not peripheral; it was central. Thousands of Cuban soldiers fought alongside African forces, many paying the ultimate price. When the bodies of 32 fallen Cuban soldiers were returned home, Fidel Castro captured the essence of their mission with a statement that continues to resonate across generations: “We didn’t go to Africa to make deals but to fight a war with Africans for their land.” It was a declaration of principle, of solidarity, and of shared humanity.
In an era where international relations are often dictated by economic interests and geopolitical manoeuvring, Cuba’s intervention in Southern Africa stands out as a rare example of ideological commitment to justice. It was not without controversy or cost, but its impact is undeniable. Namibia’s freedom story is incomplete without acknowledging the Cuban contribution.
Yet, as the years pass, there is a growing concern that this chapter of our history is not being sufficiently preserved in the national consciousness. The Battle of Cuito Cuanavale should not merely exist as a paragraph in history textbooks or a fleeting mention in speeches. It must be etched, deeply and permanently, into our collective memory.
This requires deliberate and sustained effort. Our education system must ensure that young Namibians understand not only the facts of the battle but also its broader significance. Museums, memorials, and public commemorations should serve as living reminders of the sacrifices made. Media platforms, including this publication, have a responsibility to revisit and retell these stories with the depth and reverence they deserve.
More importantly, leadership must take the lead. National memory is not self-sustaining; it is cultivated. Political leaders, policymakers, and institutions must actively champion the preservation of our liberation history. This goes beyond ceremonial speeches on anniversaries. It involves integrating historical awareness into national development agendas, supporting research and documentation, and fostering partnerships with countries like Cuba that share in this legacy.
Leadership must also guard against the erosion of historical truth. As time distances us from the events of the past, there is a risk of revisionism, of narratives being diluted or distorted. It is the duty of those in positions of authority to ensure that the story of Cuito Cuanavale and the broader liberation struggle is told accurately and with integrity.
Furthermore, honouring this history is not just about looking back; it is about shaping our identity and guiding our future. The values that underpinned the struggle—solidarity, sacrifice, resilience, and justice—remain as relevant today as they were decades ago. In a society grappling with inequality, unemployment, and social fragmentation, these values offer a moral compass.
Remembering the Cubans is also a reminder of the power of international solidarity. It challenges us to consider how Namibia, now a sovereign nation, can extend similar solidarity to others facing oppression and injustice. History, when properly understood, is not static; it is instructive.
There is also a human dimension that must not be overlooked. Behind every statistic, every military strategy, and every political outcome are individuals, young men and women who left their homes, families, and futures behind. Their stories, their fears, and their courage – these are the threads that weave the fabric of our freedom. To forget them is to diminish the very essence of what was achieved.
As we mark the 38th anniversary of the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale, let it not be a quiet observance. Let it be a moment of national reflection and recommitment. Let schools hold discussions, communities organise commemorations, and leaders speak not just with words but with actions that reinforce the importance of our history.
The passage of time is inevitable, but forgetting is not.
Namibia stands today as a free and independent nation, a reality forged through struggle and sacrifice, both domestic and international. The Cubans who fought at Cuito Cuanavale are part of that story. Their blood is part of our soil, their sacrifice part of our sovereignty.
To remember them is not an act of nostalgia; it is an act of responsibility. Lest we forget
