The National Assembly has commenced debate on a motion expressing and affirming Namibia’s support and solidarity with the people of Cuba in opposition to the continuing economic and financial embargo imposed by the United States.
Swapo Party MP Evelyn !Nawases-Taeyele expressed gratitude to Cuba for its support for Namibia’s liberation movement in the struggle against apartheid forces.
She also expressed appreciation for the unique relationship between the two countries, which she said was founded on shared values, mutual respect and a commitment to human dignity.
“I want to thank the people of Cuba for their spirit of endurance and perseverance in view of the atrocities they suffered while supporting the people of Namibia in particular, and the people of Africa in general,” !Nawases-Taeyele said.
Other MPs expressed broadly similar views.
NUDO MP Evilastus Kaaronda said Cuba’s contribution to Namibia’s liberation struggle should not be excluded from the country’s history.
“We would never say, as we do in our national anthem, 'their blood waters our freedom' and exclude the Cubans from that blood,” Kaaronda said.
IPC MP Rodney Cloete said solidarity should be applied consistently.
“Solidarity must be a principle we apply to everyone, or it is only friendship by another name. Namibia must not become a country that believes in sovereignty only for its friends, but also for those who need it,” Cloete said.
Swapo Party MP Ephraim Nekongo called on Parliament to send a clear message of continued support for Cuba.
“Let this House send a clear message that Namibia will not abandon its friends. We will not forget Cuba’s contribution to our liberation struggle and will never remain silent while the Cuban people are subjected to unjust economic warfare,” Nekongo said.
Swapo Party MP Werner Iita said the relationship between Cuba and Namibia was founded on solidarity, sacrifice and shared historical experiences.
IPC MP Armas Amukoto said he fully supported the motion, expressing and affirming Namibia’s support and solidarity with the people of Cuba and calling for an end to the continued unilateral economic and financial embargo imposed by the United States.
IPC MP Lilani Brinkman said Namibia’s health system had benefited from cooperation with Cuba in medicine, nursing, specialist training and other areas of healthcare.
“Therefore, when we speak about restrictions that affect Cuba’s economy, it is a bilateral issue affecting access to international markets. We must also consider the human consequences,” Brinkman said.