Staff Writer
Havana, Cuba – 14 January 2025 — In a significant gesture of solidarity, the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) announced the handover of a collection of invaluable artefacts to the Museum of African Liberation, located in Harare, Zimbabwe.
The announcement came during a meeting in Havana between FAR Commanders and a Zimbabwean delegation led by Ambassador Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, Special Envoy to the Museum of African Liberation.
The delegation, representing the Government of Zimbabwe, included prominent figures such as Deputy Chief Secretary Mr Zvinechimwe Churu, Brigadier-General Million Ndlovu from the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, and Ambassador Kwame Muzawazi, CEO of the Institute of African Knowledge (INSTAK), which is spearheading the Museum project.
The Museum of African Liberation, a symbol of pan-African unity and the struggle for freedom, is supported by both INSTAK and the Government of Zimbabwe.
The artefacts to be handed over include military relics from the historic Battle of Cuito Cuanavale, which took place between 1987 and 1988 in Angola.
This pivotal battle saw Cuban forces, alongside Angolan and Namibian freedom fighters, confront apartheid-backed troops. The Cuban contribution to African liberation has been widely recognised, particularly for its role in weakening apartheid and hastening independence movements across Southern Africa.
The donated items include armoured vehicles from the battle, a pistol belonging to the legendary Cuban leader Fidel Castro, and other significant memorabilia highlighting Cuba’s long-standing commitment to Africa’s liberation struggles.
Ambassador Kwame Muzawazi expressed deep gratitude for Cuba’s generous contribution, vowing to safeguard and preserve the artefacts.
“These items are sacred to us, and we guarantee their security and care. They will serve as enduring reminders of the unwavering solidarity between Cuba and Africa,” he said.
He also shared that a dedicated section within the Museum, representing the Southern African Development Community (SADC), will honour Cuba’s vital role in the region’s liberation.
“The Museum’s construction is advancing well. The Zimbabwe section is nearly complete, and the entire facility is at 25% completion,” Muzawazi added.
“We are ready to welcome Cuba’s historic artefacts into a space that honours their legacy.”
The Museum of African Liberation is part of the broader Liberation City development, a 101-hectare multipurpose complex being developed by INSTAK.
This project aims to celebrate the continent’s fight against colonialism and apartheid while also acknowledging the contributions of external allies, including Cuba, China, and Russia.
Cuba’s assistance to Africa spans decades, starting with military support for Algeria in the 1960s and extending throughout the continent, particularly in education, health, and political solidarity.
The Battle of Cuito Cuanavale remains one of Cuba’s most significant contributions to Africa’s independence, with the region observing 23 March as Southern Africa Liberation Day in commemoration.
The Cuban delegation’s visit to Zimbabwe is expected to include a meeting with Cuban President H.E. Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, where Ambassador Mumbengegwi will deliver a special message from Zimbabwe’s President, Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa.
This historic handover marks a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to preserve and honour Africa’s liberation history, cementing Cuba’s place as a key ally in the continent’s fight for freedom and independence.
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