Cuba's Role in African Independence and the Fight Against Apartheid

Under Fidel Castro, Cuba supported the fight against apartheid

and

colonialism across Africa.

In Nelson Mandela's words, for the first time, a country had

come from another continent not to take something away, but to help

Africans to achieve their freedom.

Cuban soldiers fought side by side with their African counterparts to help

secure their independence. Many Cubans felt that they had a duty to

fight against imperialism on the continent.

By the end of the Cold War, almost 400,000 of them had fought in

Africa, including Algeria, DRC, and Ghana.

Havana also provided civil support.

It sent doctors, dentists, nurses, academics, teachers,

and engineers to Africa. Afro-Cuban cooperation massively

improved the health sectors of Burkina Faso, Gambia, Mali, and

Niger.

Cuba's most significant African intervention, though, was in Angola.

In the mid-'70s, President Neto asked Castro for help.

His country was under attack from South African forces and

CIA-backed mercenaries. With Havana's support, Luanda was

able to repel the invaders. 3,400 Cubans

gave their lives. The alliance with Cuba transformed Angola

socially. Havana sent economic, technical, and educational missions to

Luanda. Cuban teachers helped educate millions of

Angolans. Many received scholarships to study in

Cuba.

For many Africans, Castro's help for their continent embodies

the

idea that no one is free until we are all

free, and that's why he's hailed as a hero among

African freedom fighters.