Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has called on Namibians to rally behind the Namibia National Solidarity Campaign for Cuba.
The campaign is aimed at raising funds for the Cuban people who continue to face a humanitarian crisis due to tightened United States sanctions.
Speaking in an interview with NBC News, Dr. Ngurare said it would be an injustice for Namibians to stand by and watch the suffering of the Cuban people without extending a helping hand to a nation whose people sacrificed their lives and made significant contributions to Namibia's liberation struggle.
He therefore called on all Namibians to contribute to the campaign, regardless of their political affiliation or economic status.
"Maybe it is human to say we have our own problem, but imagine if that was the attitude of Cuba when we were in trouble. Cuba did not stand aside and look at their own condition and forget Namibia. In fact, even God will kiss us if we venture into those sentiments because we are ungrateful for somebody who spilt blood for your freedom, even to say what you are saying today. So I want to call on those who are in the music industry; let them popularise what is now in the creative industry. Let them make songs; let them market this campaign so that everybody can, the same way, even if it is one dollar that you are sending."
The campaign has so far raised seven hundred thousand and continues to mobilise additional funds, with a fundraising gala dinner planned in the coming weeks.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the longstanding advocacy of Namibian leaders in support of the Cuban people, who have endured a decades-long embargo.
The Premier reiterated Namibia's call for the lifting of the embargo and for the United States to respect Cuba's sovereignty.
The Namibian parliament. We have been very clear that the embargo must be lifted and that the people of Cuba should live peacefully and coexist and all nations of the world, including the United States, should respect Cuba. As I'm sure Cuba has no qualms against it, Cuba has not imposed sanctions or an embargo on the United States. So lift it and live as human beings if truly we respect human beings."
Dr. Ngurare also highlighted the need for global solidarity with Cuba.