On the Participation in the Commemoration of the Anniversary of Victory in the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale

On 23 March 2021, Ambassador of Russia to South Africa H.E.Mr.Ilya Rogachev took part in the commemorative event timed to the 33^rd anniversary of victory in the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale during the Civil War in Angola (1975 – 2002) held on the memorial heritage site “Freedom Park”.

Addressing Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture of the Republic of South Africa Hon. Nathi Mthethwa, Ambassador of Cuba to South Africa H.E.Mr.Rodolfo Benitez Verson, representatives of the diplomatic missions of Namibia and Angola, South African media, veterans who had participated in the battle, H.E. Mr.Ilya Rogachev said as follows.

“On this day, we pay our greatest respects to all those who fought bravely for the freedom of the peoples of Southern Africa in the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale. This battle, being the largest engagement that took place on the African continent after the Second World War, became the watershed moment in the South African liberation struggle and came down in history as the “African Stalingrad.” Russia takes pride in the fact that it could contribute to this landslide event.”

The Ambassador of Russia reminded of military expert assistance, financial backing, aid in personnel training and on international platforms, provided by the USSR to the liberation movements in Southern Africa. Thousands of Soviet doctors, engineers, builders offered humanitarian support to the Angolans.

On behalf of the Russian Union of Angola Veterans, Ambassador Ilya Rogachev awarded commemorative medals “30 years of Victory in the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale” to the veterans as well as to the diplomats of Cuba, Angola and Namibia – the countries directly involved in the battle.

Head of the Russian mission in South Africa bestowed a medal on Hon. Nathi Mthethwa, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture of the Republic of South Africa, as a token of Russia’s gratitude for the contribution to the preservation of the history of the African people’s liberation struggle.

In conclusion, the participants of the event laid wreaths at the foot of the Wall of Names honouring the memory of those who fought for freedom of Southern Africa.

The Battle of Cuito Cuanavale (August 1987 – March 1988) was a decisive engagement of the Angolan Civil War and a crucial step in the struggle for independence of the countries of Southern Africa from colonialism and apartheid. During the battle, the People’s Armed Forces of Liberation of Angola backed by USSR, Cuba, People’s Liberation Army of Namibia, African National Congress and others defeated the combatants of the Angolan “UNITA” party and the racist regime of RSA supported by the US.