By Benjamin Wickham
Havana, Cuba – December 17 – Nangolo Mbumba, President of Namibia, hailed the enduring and profound friendship between Namibia and Cuba as he received the prestigious José Martí Order, the highest distinction awarded by the Cuban government. The honor was presented by Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic.
During the official ceremony, President Mbumba expressed deep gratitude for the distinction, named after José Martí, Cuba’s National Hero. He described Martí as a revolutionary of great integrity who fought not only for Cuba’s independence but also for the liberation of oppressed peoples worldwide.
Reflecting on the current global challenges, Mbumba called for a universal revolution against exploitation and injustice, emphasizing the need for collective resistance against the dominance of a few over the majority. He noted that the recognition of receiving the José Martí Order represents a commitment to the values of honor, justice, and human dignity that Martí himself exemplified.
Despite the geographical distance, Mbumba highlighted the shared history of Cuba and Namibia, rooted in their joint struggle against colonialism and apartheid. This collaboration, he said, played a pivotal role in Namibia achieving sovereignty and freedom.
In earlier discussions, President Díaz-Canel welcomed Mbumba as a brother and a steadfast friend of Cuba. He praised Mbumba’s contributions as a member of the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) and emphasized that this visit represents a milestone in the strengthening, expansion, and consolidation of bilateral relations between the two nations.
Mbumba extended heartfelt thanks to the Cuban government and its people for their unwavering solidarity, adding that Namibia considers Cuba a second home for its representatives.
The historic ties between the two countries remain strong, and March 2025 will mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Namibia and Cuba, celebrating decades of brotherhood and cooperation.
