1. 1959-1991 Cuba-Africa Policy Elevates Consciousness, Strengthens Bonds
“I don’t believe there is life
after death. But if there is, we can be sure that the souls of our forefathers
who were taken away to America to be slaves are rejoicing today to see their
children reunited and working together to help us be independent and free”[i] – Amílcar
Cabral, leader of the independence movement of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde,
addressing Cuban soldiers at their Brazzaville camp.
Cuba-Africa ties are celebrated in
Havana and are integral to Cuban identity. These links include common bonds
between Cuba and Africa such as religion, identity, culture, and music as well
shared values between peoples and movements that are both cherished by the
Cuban revolution and the African liberation movements. These include third
world solidarity, non-alignment, internationalist duty, anti-imperialism,
anti-colonialism, anti-neocolonialism and anti-racism. The revolutionary Cuban
government has actively enhanced Africa ties in multiple realms and changed the
course of African history. Its scope and breadth range from legalizing the
practice of Afro-Cuban religions and promoting Afro-Cuban music to its internationalist Africa
policy from 1959-1991. Cuba’s engagement with Africa during this time was a
fundamental extension of the Cuban revolution itself, rather than cosmetic
foreign policy, and was spearheaded and crafted by a small group of people
including Fidel Castro, Raul Castro, and Ernesto “Che” Guevara.[ii] The Cuban revolution
provided inspiration for African liberation movements and the Cuban internationalist
missions were a “resevoir” of “revolutionary fervor”, helped consolidate “socialist
consciousness”, and explain the “resilience of the Cuban revolution”.[iii]
“The Cuban doctors really performed
a miracle. Not only did they save lives, but they put their own lives at risk.
They were truly selfless”[iv] - on Cuban doctors
serving in liberated zones in Guinea Bissau during its war of independence.
Cuba provided support to numerous African
countries from Algeria to South Africa which ranged from weapons, medicine, and
scholarships to personnel such as teachers, soldiers, doctors, and trainers. From
1959-1991, “over 500,000 Cubans served in the African wars that ultimately
ended colonialism”[v]
and the ideas and principles of the Cuban revolution were driving forces behind
Cuba-Africa relations. Cuba sent doctors to newly liberated zones, such as
those in Guinea-Bissau, during brutal anti-colonial struggles as well as newly
independent countries such as Algeria. Cuban volunteers freely chose to go to
Africa to serve.
Understanding the character of the
Cuban leadership is important in analyzing why Cuba devoted so much to Africa.
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) analysis described Fidel Castro as “first of
all a revolutionary”[vi]
who “places himself in the vanguard of an irrepressible worldwide revolutionary
movement”.[vii] For Castro and the
Cuban high leadership, “revolution is their raison d'être”.[viii] The character of
Cuban leadership is coupled with their understanding of Cuban identity and
relationship to Africa. Fidel Castro elucidates this link in a speech delivered
at Revolution Square on December 22, 1975:
"... bear in mind that we are a
Latin-American nation and a Latin-African nation as well. African blood flows
freely through our veins. Many of our ancestors came as slaves from Africa to
this land. They fought as members of the Liberating Army of Cuba. We are brothers
and sisters to the people of Africa and we are ready to fight on their
behalf"[ix]
Ernesto “Che” Guevara visited
Africa on an official tour in 1964 and later, in 1965, disgusted by the
assassination of President Patrice Lumumba in Congo (now Democratic Republic of
Congo) and the massacre of Congolese by white mercenary forces, secretly headed
a Cuban column and trained Simba rebels in Eastern Congo. Although this attempt
failed, Guevara’s efforts enabled him to meet rebels of many different liberation
movements in African cities such as Dar-es-Salaam and Brazzaville. These
encounters forged links and relations which would continue through the decades.
Africa policy allowed Cuba to challenge imperial, colonial, and racist forces
at the margins which it could not do as successfully in Latin America due to
strong U.S. influence there. The threats addressed in Africa were the same ones
that posed existential threats to the Cuban revolution itself. Thus, the
motives behind Cuba’s Africa policy were “self-preservation” as well as “revolutionary
zeal”.[x]
Cuban involvement was most intense
in Angola, where 300,000 Cubans served from 1975-1991.[xi] Cuban troops
supported the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) and its
leaders including former President Agostinho Neto and current President Eduardo
Dos Santos. The U.S. Government, apartheid South African army, and Zairean
troops, loyal to Joseph Mobutu, supported the two other Angolan rebel
movements, the National Front for the Liberation of Angola (FNLA) and National
Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA). The regular South African
army, with the support of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), invaded Angola
and tried to capture the capital Luanda before independence to prevent a leftist
MPLA administration from taking power. In response to MPLA request for
assistance, Cuba started ‘Operation Carlota’, named in honor of an African slave
who led a revolt with other women slaves at a sugar mill in Matanzas.[xii] Cuba sent its Special
Forces into Luanda in 1975, commencing Cuban military engagement which would
continue until Peace Accords were signed in 1988 to guarantee Namibian
independence, which was then under South African occupation, as well as Cuban
and South African troop withdrawal.
Above: Fidel
delivers a fiery speech vis-à-vis Angola citing
internationalist duty as reason for aiding Angola and describes the
resource-driven action of the imperial powers. Instead of the typical zero-sum
foreign policy of states during the Cold War that protected and pursued material
interests, Cuban action was unique and idealistic.[xiii] As mentioned by a
guerrilla leader in Guinea-Bissau “Cuba made no demands, it gave us
unconditional aid.”[xiv]
Above: Video
outlining some of Cuba’s contributions to African liberation. Castro worked to
prevent the implementation of apartheid in Angola such as in Namibia and South
Africa. Themes include Cubans’ African identity, Angolan action as an extension
of the Cuban revolution itself, Cuba’s contribution to Angolan and Namibian
independence, as well as to the end of apartheid.
Cuban policy maintained its
independence and Cuba was far from a Soviet puppet. In Angola for example, Cuba
did not notify Moscow of its plans to send combat troops until they were
already deployed. By supporting the MPLA, Cuba helped Angola gain total
independence, dealt a severe blow to apartheid, and granted Namibia its independence.
In addition, Cuban engagement helped defeat U.S. policy which influenced U.S. Secretary
of State Kissinger to pursue an unpopular softer line towards white-ruled Rhodesia.
Addressing the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in 1976 Kissinger encouraged majority rule in Rhodesia
in order to avoid the specter of direct Soviet and Cuban combat intervention.[xv]
1.1 Literature in Havana celebrates Angola
Angola-Cuba links are vibrant and celebrated
in Havana through literature available at local bookstores. African poetry, prose,
culture, geography, religion, and music are intertwined with themes such as national
liberation and revolution.
 |
| Top: Las Aventuras de Ngunga (1973) by Angolan Artur Pestana highlights the story of a young Angolan boy orphaned by colonial Portuguese forces. Ngunga leaves his village after his parents are assassinated by Portuguese soldiers and becomes a guerilla. Pestana narrates Ngunga’s travels, personal relationships, and reflections outlining his personal transformation to guerrilla. Ngunga struggles not only with the Portuguese but with himself, the characters he encounters, and Angola’s wild environment and creatures. Central themes include Ngunga’s bravery, struggle, transformation, fight against injustice, and quest for a better world. Ngunga’s example serves as a model for youth to better themselves |
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Above: A series of
illustrated books on Angola by Tania Salgado Grimón meant for school children covering a range of
topics from history and culture to flora and fauna. Its content and
presentation are professional and engaging. Sub-topics reveal an impressive
depth and knowledge of Angola, introducing school children to traditional
Angolan poetry, games, instruments, legends, food, and much more. The author
provides extensive information through an attractive medium complete with explanations.
The series is in full color and contains beautiful illustrations and photos. It
provides a great interactive experience for school children through its
activities. Examples include quizzes, coloring activities, and others such as instructions
for making traditional Angolan masks from papier-mâché. This series is truly
delightful and fun.
|
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Left: Angola,
through its stamps. This book, by Lucia Araújo, was supported by the cultural office of the Angolan
Embassy in Havana as well as the Cuban Postal Museum. It describes the history
of Angola through its stamps. Stamps ranging from colonial times to the present
are included in this book and their significance is explained in historical
context.
|
 |
Above: Cuito Cuanavale, purchased at
the University of Havana bookstore, is a graphic novel that celebrates the
decisive battle at Cuito Cuanavale, a small Angolan village, from 1987-1988. This
medium targets younger audiences, glorifies war, and highlights strong
Cuba-Angola ties. A joint Cuban-Angolan force,
including fighters from South African and Namibian liberation movements,
repulsed the apartheid South African Defense Forces (SADF) and UNITA attacks
multiple times. Fidel Castro directed the Cuban troops from Havana during the
long and brutal war. Ultimately, the South African army withdrew and subsequent
negotiations between Cuba, Angolans, South Africa, and the United States led to
signing of the New York Accords, which granted Namibia its independence and
ensured withdrawal of Cuban troops from Angola. Fidel Castro and Nelson Mandela
are on the bottom right. To their left is a powerful multiple missile launcher
used by the Cubans called ‘Stalin’s organ’ which helped change the power
balance of the war in Angola from 1975 onwards.
|
The quotes read:
1. “From this moment on, the
history of Africa will be written as before and after Cuito Cuanavale” – Fidel
Castro
2. “In Cuito Cuanavale shone, with
all its intensity, the star of internationalism" - President Eduardo dos Santos of Angola
3. “Cuito Cuanavale was the turning
point in the liberation of my continent and my people from the scourge of
apartheid” - Nelson Mandela
2. Cementerio de Cristóbal Colón, La Habana
Cementerio Cristobal Colon, located on
Avenida 23 y 12 in Havana is well worth a visit. An eerie silence pervades and
one can view the elaborate tombs, sarcophagi, and intricate statues that are
interspersed within a vast area that runs several city blocks. Many well-known figures
rest here such as musician Ibrahim Ferrer, military hero Máximo Gómez, ethnomusicologist
Fernando Ortiz, and poet Nicolas Guillén.
A few hours are needed to fully explore
this jewel.
 |
Revolutionary Armed Forces Memorial and Crypt
Cementerio
de Cristóbal Colón, Havana
|
“The Cubans understood better than anyone that they had a duty
to fight and help their brothers become free”[xvi] – African Party for
the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) leader, Guinea-Bissau
Cuban personnel served exceptionally in African countries. They
put their lives at risk and were highly praised as empathetic, sensitive, brave
and selfless.[xvii]
 |
Above: Photos taken at Cementerio Colón on a rainy Havana afternoon.
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3. Cuisine
A range of options are available for the traveler to Havana,
from locally run restaurants, including paladares, to fancier establishments
at luxury hotels.
 |
| Above: Ropa vieja, pulled, barbeque beef with moros y cristianos, black beans and rice. On the right is a side of corn tamale. This establishment is on Avenida 23 y J, very close to the University of Havana. Local patrons stand, eat, and engage in good-humored banter while enjoying their meal. Complement the ropa vieja with one of the several chilly and herb infused vinegar salsas available at the counter. |
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| Top: A delectable meal of pork, rice, and beans, prepared by our friend and professor Dr. Fernando Funes, who is revolutionizing agriculture. His efforts to reclaim degraded lands and promote sustainable agro-ecology on his model farm, and throughout Cuba, are truly admirable and of utmost importance. |
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Top: A must-try for any food aficionado in Cuba – lechón,
marinated grilled pork. Cuban pork is truly sublime!
 |
Top: A greasy meal
at a well-known paladar in Havana a few meters from the grand steps at
the University of Havana. This sampler includes minced ground beef, pork, chicken,
fried yucca, and sweet plantains.
Verdict: No frills,
street-side restaurants patronized by Cubans offer the most authentic and
delicious experience. Avoid the tourist traps, explore the city, and eat local!
¡ Disfrute bien, compañeros, y Viva Cuba!
NOTES
[i] Gleijeses, Conflicting
missions: Havana, Washington, and Africa, 1959-1976, 198.
[ii] Ibid., 374.
[iii] Isaac Saney, “Homeland of
humanity: Internationalism within the Cuban Revolution.” Latin American
Perspectives 36 no. 1 (2009): 111.
[iv] Gleijeses, Conflicting
missions: Havana, Washington, and Africa, 1959-1976, 200.
[v] Jihan el Tahry, Cuba: An African Odyssey,
DVD, directed by Jihan el Tahry (2007; France: ITVS International).
[vi] Sherman Kent to DCI, Sept. 4, 1963, NSC
145-10001-10126/205, JFKAC, RG 263, NA in Gleijeses, Conflicting missions:
Havana, Washington, and Africa, 1959-1976, 375.
[vii] CIA, OCI, “Survey of Latin
America,” Apr. 1, 1964, pp-83-84, NSFCF, box 1 in Gleijeses, Conflicting
missions: Havana, Washington, and Africa, 1959-1976, 375.
[viii] DOS, Policy Planning
Council, “Caribbean: Cuba” (draft outline), Feb. 13, 1964, p. 6, NSFCF, box
26/29, in Gleijeses, Conflicting missions: Havana, Washington, and Africa,
1959-1976, 375.
[ix] Herbert Matthews,“Forward, With Fidel,
Anywhere: 'Angola is another move in the Cuban Revolution.' Castro sees Havana
as a leader in the third world,” New York Times, March 4, 1976, 31.
[x] Gleijeses, Conflicting missions: Havana,
Washington, and Africa, 1959-1976, 375.
[xi] Estela Bravo, Fidel: The untold story, DVD,
directed by Estela Bravo (2007; United States: Bravo Films).
[xii] Alberto Núñez Betancourt, “Operation Carlota. Infinite
heroism,” Digital Granma International, November 9, 2010, accessed August 24, 2013, http://www.granma.cu/ingles/cuba-i/19nov-Operation-Carlota.html.
[xiv] Ibid., 198.
[xv] Ibid., 391.
[xvi] Ibid., 378.
[xvii] Ibid., 378.
References
1. Bravo, Estela. Fidel: The
untold story. Documentary. Directed by Estela Bravo. United States: Bravo
Films, 2002.
2. Digital Granma International.
“Operation Carlota. Infinite Heroism”. Last modified November 19, 2010. http://www.granma.cu/ingles/cuba-i/19nov-Operation-Carlota.html.
3. Gleijeses, Piero. Conflicting
missions: Havana, Washington, and Africa, 1959-1976. Chapel Hill:
University of North Carolina Press, 2002.
4. Matthews, Herbert L. “Forward,
With Fidel, Anywhere: 'Angola is another move in the Cuban Revolution.' Castro
sees Havana as a leader in the third world.” New York Times, March 4, 1976.
5. Saney, Isaac. “Homeland of
humanity: Internationalism within the Cuban Revolution.” Latin American
Perspectives 36 no.1 (2009): 111-23.
6. Tahry, Jihan el. Cuba: An
African Odyssey. Documentary.
Directed by Jihan el Tahry. France: ITVS International, 2007.
.
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