‘You can condemn me but it doesn’t matter: History will acquit me.’ – Fidel Castro
You cannot deny that Fidel Castro divided opinion.
To most, he was a politician, a revolutionary and a warrior. To others he was a dictator and a cold-hearted mercenary. Women saw him as a sex symbol, powerful, rebellious, as well as a commitment-phobe and philanderer; and to our modern youth and millennials, he has come to be a meme and a fashion icon.
But to Africa, Fidel Castro was a friend and an ally.
Today, I extended my deepest condolences to the President and People of Cuba following Fidel Castro's demise. I salute a Great Leader in him
— Pierre Nkurunziza (@pnkurunziza) November 26, 2016
Pals of the Cuban commander included African leaders such as President Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana; Tanzanian leader, Julius Nyerere; the first Angolan president Agostinho Neto; founding President of Namibia Sam Nujoma; and of course, Nelson Mandela.
Didn’t know that he was so close to Africa? Well, here are a few examples of why Fidel Castro will forever be Africa’s bestie:
Fidel Castro was a great friend to Africa, to countries in the Global South and to the Non-Aligned Movement. His place in history is assured
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) November 26, 2016
Castro was pro-active in his aid and assistance to many African countries. He offered his experience and advice. He sent troops, medical aid, doctors and teachers when the continent was getting to grips with its new post-colonial identity.
Comrade Fidel Castro will forever remain in our hearts and minds – he helped shape the world!
— John Dramani Mahama (@JDMahama) November 26, 2016
His willingness to fight for and side-by-side with Africans made both military and liberation movements idolise him. Under his regime, Cuba was an ally to Angola, Namibia, South Africa and organisations that were against colonial powers such as The African National Congress and the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) among others.
RIP Fidel Castro, tenacious fighter who lived a full liberation life & condolences to the resilient people of Cuba
— Paul Kagame (@PaulKagame) November 26, 2016
Castro sent tens of thousands of troops to Angola when the oil giant country became embroiled in a war between Russia and the USA during the Cold War.
https://twitter.com/UKenyatta/status/802560030067265536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
During the Ebola crisis, Castro immediately got involved and sent international aid to Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea while other countries in the world cowered.
On Behalf of myself and the people of Tanzania, our deepest sympathies go out to the people of Cuba on the death of Fidel Castro.
— Dr John Magufuli (@MagufuliJP) November 26, 2016
He brought about social and gender equality for women and introduced universal healthcare and free education for all.
Fidel Castro was a friend, brother and leader. My sincere condolences to the people of the Republic of Cuba. May his soul rest in peace pic.twitter.com/atwhBzizvx
— Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) November 26, 2016
The most prominent support from Fidel Castro, however, will forever be his involvement in South Africa. Nelson Mandela spoke openly and fondly about his close relationship with Castro because of his support during the difficult period as Cuba backed the freedom fighters while the Americans backed the apartheid government. Castro trained black African soldiers and sent over 30,000 Cuban soldiers to help fight the South African army as well as sending doctors and nurses to the townships.
Comrade Fidel Castro was a longstanding supporter and friend of the ANC and the people of South Africa #RIPFidelCastro #VasBienFidel pic.twitter.com/HttiheaLst
— African National Congress (@MYANC) November 26, 2016
Other than his political influence, one cannot forget that this bond has led to a strong link between Africa and Cuba. From artists such as Abdoulaye Konaté who studied in Havana, to the Afro-Cuban jazz harmonies of Maravillas de Mali. (Not forgetting our Chivas-drinking uncles in Togo!)
They say the best friendships are fierce – when you believe in each other, defend each other, and think the other deserves the world. To Africa, Castro was indeed that kind of friend and Uncle Fidel will be truly missed.