Online Reporter
Herald Correspondent
THE Institute of African Knowledge (INSTAK) and Cuba’s National Council of National Heritage yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at transferring military equipment from the historic Battle of Cuito Cuanavale to the Museum of African Liberation in Harare, Zimbabwe.
This significant agreement marks deepening of ties between the two nations, highlighting their shared history and commitment to preserving the legacy of liberation struggles across Africa.
The signing ceremony took place in Havana, Cuba, where Ambassador Kwame Muzawazi, the CEO of INSTAK, and Ms Sonja Perez Mojena, the director-general of the Cuban National Council, formalised the agreement.
Among the attendees were Brigadier-General Million Ndlovu from the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and Ms Lizette Martinez Luzardo, the Cuban Vice-Minister of Culture.
Their presence underscored the importance of the occasion, as it represents not just a transfer of equipment but also a reaffirmation of solidarity between Africa and Cuba.
After the signing, Ms Perez Mojena expressed the profound connection between Africa and Cuba.
“Africa and the Caribbean Island have an unbreakable bond, sealed by the blood spilled by Cuban fighters in support of the continent’s liberation,” she said.
Her remarks highlighted the historical context in which Cuban troops played a crucial role in supporting African nations during their struggles against colonialism and apartheid.
The MoU is intended to facilitate the preservation of this important history for future generations, ensuring that the people of both Cuba and Africa can appreciate their shared heritage.
Ambassador Muzawazi described the donation of military equipment as an “immensely generous gesture” from the Cuban people to the people of Africa.
He emphasised the significance of the equipment, stating, “This is equipment that was used in the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale, which really was a defining moment in the history of Africa.”
The Battle, fought between November 1987 and March 1988, was pivotal in the liberation of Southern Africa, contributing to the end of apartheid and the independence of Namibia.
Ambassador Muzawazi further elaborated on the transformative potential of the museum, asserting that the transfer would mark a significant milestone. He noted that it would enhance the museum’s status, helping it to become a five-star establishment that embodies the spirit and soul of Africa’s glorious past.
The Museum of African Liberation, he added, will not be an information centre masquerading as a museum.
“These are the real artefacts that carry the spirit and the soul of Africa’s glorious past,” he said.
The MoU is the culmination of a series of diplomatic engagements that began with President Mnangagwa’s initiative in 2022, when he dispatched his Special Envoy, Ambassador Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, to present the Museum of African Liberation Project to Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez.
This engagement led to the notable handover of various artefacts to the museum by Mr Esteban Lazo Hernández, President of the Cuban National Assembly, earlier this year.
The Museum of African Liberation is conceived as a monument to the epic struggle to liberate African people from European colonialism and apartheid. It will serve as a repository of materials from all African countries that waged armed struggles for liberation, as well as document the contributions of both African and non-African nations that supported these efforts.
The MoU between Zimbabwe and Cuba stands as a testament to the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
It symbolises a commitment to honour and preserve the legacy of those who fought for freedom, ensuring that future generations understand the significance of their shared history.
The Museum of African Liberation will not only commemorate past struggles, but also inspire ongoing efforts toward unity and liberation across the continent.
