By María Inés Álvarez Garay (*)
The struggles against racial domination and discrimination in Africa had in Fidel the highest expression of internationalism, as a defender of human rights. The leader of the Cuban Revolution extended his aid to the African people oppressed for decades by colonialism and segregationist regimes.
When the Cuban Revolution triumphed, in January 1959, Algeria was in full independence struggle against French colonialism, Cuba decided to support the African country.
Algeria marked the beginning of the internationalist collaboration of the largest of the Antilles in Africa.
In 1961 the Cuban government sent a boat with support to the Algerian military forces, on its return to Havana it brought with it hundreds of wounded and orphaned children to be treated.
«We will never forget how you [Cubans] cared for our orphans and our wounded people.» Ahmed Ben Bella, Prime Minister of the Republic of Algeria, October 16, 1962
Later, Cuba’s participation in internationalist missions for the liberation of racist and colonialist regimes was present in countries such as Ghana, Congo (Brazzaville), Zaire, Equatorial Guinea, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea, Yemen, Tanzania, Angola, Namibia and Guinea Bissau.
The decisive battle against apartheid was that of Cuito Cuanavale, fought in Angola between December ’87 and March ’88. After months of fighting, Cuban and Angolan soldiers prevented the advance of South African troops.
“The overwhelming defeat of the racist army in Cuito Cuanavale was a victory for all of Africa! That overwhelming defeat of the racist army in Cuito Cuanavale gave Angola the possibility to enjoy peace and consolidate its own sovereignty! The defeat of the racist army enabled the fighting people of Namibia to finally achieve their independence! ” Nelson Mandela, anti-apartheid leader and former president of South Africa.
Currently the bilateral ties of Cuba and the countries of Africa are based on that feeling of solidarity and internationalism, for which the most oppressed nations for years feel grateful and honored. Thanks to Fidel Castro, the forerunner of those revolutionary ideas.
Africa is an essential part of what we Cubans are today, and Fidel was consistent with this postulate that guided special relations with the African continent from the very beginning of the Cuban Revolution.
Fidel referred to the presence of his country as a «duty of compensation», for what the Africans contributed to the formation of Cuba, its roots, its independence and its culture.
Our eternal Commander in Chief foreshadowed the future. A little more than half a century later, thousands of Cuban professionals have passed through Africa, not only in health but also in education, culture, sports, and agriculture. and many others.
In our supportive Cuba, more than 30 thousand African students have graduated in various specialties in which Medicine stands out.
Currently, there are thousands of Cubans who work in more than 32 countries on this continent, the vast majority health workers (more than 75 thousand).
Today we help and collaborate with Africa to wage another great battle: that of the health of peoples, a right of all.
Cuba has once again been noted for its solidarity and internationalist feelings and brotherhood with our dear African brothers.
Here we are, at their side, fighting hand to hand this ruthless pandemic that plagues humanity and has taken so many lives from it.
From Gambia, the Cuban Medical Brigade (BMC) faithfully follows the steps and ideas of our eternal Fidel, guided by his example and integrity, we are his continuity, and as unstoppable warriors we snatch lives from death and give unlimited health to this mother Earth.
More than 100 collaborators of different specialties make each new day a bright awakening in The Gambia, no matter what the conditions and circumstances, each life saved, each healthy child delivered to life is a Viva Fidel!
«To the combat, run the Bayamis, that the motherland looks at you proud, do not fear a glorious death, that to die for the motherland is to live.» as our National Anthem says.
Wherever you are dear Commander, as your new birthday approaches this August 13th, you will continue to be satisfied with your healthcare workers and smile happily for your beloved Africa.
(*) Collaborator and professor of the Cuban Medical Brigade in The Gambia
"An Island on a Continent" 