DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA and Cuba have honoured the enduring historical bond established by Julius Nyerere and Fidel Castro, rooted in their mutual commitment to freedom, social justice and humanity.
Marking the 8th anniversary of Cuban leader Fidel Castro’s death in Dar es Salaam on Monday, the attention was drawn to his remarkable contributions as a revolutionary leader.
The event celebrated his lasting legacy and the strong enduring friendship between Tanzania and Cuba.
Reflecting on the life of Cuba’s revolutionary leader, the Cuban Ambassador to Tanzania, Yordenis Despaigne Vera highlighted many unforgettable deeds marked by Castro’s spirit of freedom and dedication to his people, as well as his commitment to supporting liberation struggles in Africa.
The commemoration, which was held in Dar es Salaam involved revisiting Castro’s history through audiovisual materials.
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“Fidel Castro and Julius Nyerere, were leaders of the people and dedicated their lives to fighting against oppression, underdevelopment, imperialism and they were firm defenders of the right of peoples to self-determination, development and to live in peace,” said Ambassador Vera.
He said the recent historic and symbolic event, the First International Kiswahili Conference held in Havana recently with more than 400 delegates from 10 countries in attendance cemented the good relationship between the two countries.
He added that the event also involved the unveiling of the Nyerere’s statue as among fruits of the historic diplomatic ties forged by the two heroes.
The Ambassador expressed his gratitude to the government and people of Tanzania for their historic support that helped lift the ban imposed by the United State to Cuban people for more than 60 years.
Furthermore, he commended the special friendship and diplomatic ties between the two nations, saying Tanzania contributed to the purchase and shipment of medical supplies to Cuba as a support at the time when their country was hit by hurricane Oscar.
Earlier, Mwalimu Nyerere Foundation (MNF) Board of Trustees Chairman Joseph Butiku said Castro’s contribution was unique as his efforts to free Cuba stood as a cornerstone for freedom movements in Africa. He said, the relationship between Tanzania and Cuba was built on a friendship and brotherhood between Nyerere and Castro.
The strong bond is evident in Tanzania’s significant collaboration with Cuba in the fields of health and education, exemplified by the arrival of numerous Cuban doctors, as Castro placed a strong emphasis on education.
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He prioritised education for all people, focusing on eradicating ignorance, disease and ignorance. Furthermore, he called on Africans, especially young leaders to emulate the good examples set by the two leaders for sustainable development.
