Tema: Some civil society groups and institutions have formally reached out to the African Union Commission, advocating for Cuba to be recognized as the union's Honorary Development Partner. This move is in acknowledgment of Cuba's significant contributions to Africa's liberation and developmental progress.
According to Ghana News Agency, the coalition of organizations, which includes the Afrikan Continental Union Consult (ACUC), the Pan Afrikan Center of Namibia (PACON), and various other groups from across the globe, have issued a communiqu© urging the African Union Commission to convene an extraordinary session. The aim is to address the humanitarian and diplomatic repercussions of the economic embargo imposed on Cuba by the United States and to appeal to the United Nations and the U.S. Government to lift the embargo.
The communiqu© highlighted the shared history and mutual struggles between Africa and Cuba, emphasizing the importance of South-South Cooperation. The groups stressed the pivotal role played by Cuba in Africa's development and liberation, and they called for enhanced bilateral cooperation. This includes expanding scholarship opportunities, technical exchanges, trade partnerships, and health missions, which would further strengthen reciprocal solidarity.
Furthermore, the groups have proposed the establishment of an annual 'Africa-Cuba Solidarity Week.' This event would commemorate the shared history, honor the heroes, and reinforce the hope for a just global order across African Union member states.
The communiqu© underscored the enduring impact of Cuba's contributions to Africa, noting that over the past six decades, Cuba has provided professional training, medical services, and technical assistance to thousands of Africans in vital sectors such as health, agriculture, and education. Cuban professionals have often worked in rural and underserved areas, offering their services where others have been reluctant to go.
Cuba's historical support for Africa during critical times, including its sacrifices in battles against colonialism and apartheid, was also acknowledged. The communiqu© praised Cuba's prioritization of human development and liberty over resource exploitation, distinguishing its international relations from those driven by material greed.