Namibia stands with Cuba and Venezuela amid geopolitical tensions
Elizabeth KheibesWINDHOEK
Prime Minister Dr Elijah Ngurare has reaffirmed Namibia’s steadfast friendship with long-standing partners Cuba and Venezuela, saying the country will not apologise for those ties despite mounting geopolitical tensions following the reported abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by United States forces.Ngurare made the remarks on Wednesday while signing a book of condolences at the Venezuelan embassy in Windhoek in honour of those who perished in the January 3 U.S. military operation — a move widely condemned by Venezuelan, Cuban and a number of African and global voices as a violation of sovereignty and international law.
He signed the condolences book on behalf of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, expressing Namibia’s deep sense of solidarity with Venezuela and Cuba.
“We mourn the loss of life in that tragic operation and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of Venezuelan and Cuban personnel who died,” Ngurare said. “Namibia’s friendship with Cuba and Venezuela is rooted in shared history, mutual respect and common struggle. We stand by our friends in the global south — unwavering and unashamed.”
Ngurare spoke of the personal resonance of the crisis within Namibia, noting that members of the Namibian leadership, including the minister of finance Ericah Shafudah who was also present at yesterday’s occassion, had studied in Cuba, and that many Namibians were deeply affected by the news from Caracas.
“The President of the Republic sends her deepest condolences to those who have perished and assures the Venezuelan and Cuban people of our enduring solidarity,” he said. “We cannot forget our friends in the global south.”
He invoked the late Cuban leader Fidel Castro, recalling his oft-quoted sentiment that “in the veins of every Cuban, there is African blood” — a metaphor Ngurare said underscores the shared history and mutual commitment to stand together in both sorrow and hope.
Ngurare’s comments come as international reactions continue to unfold, with numerous states and blocs calling for respect for sovereignty and peaceful resolution of the crisis.
Prime Minister Dr Elijah Ngurare has reaffirmed Namibia’s steadfast friendship with long-standing partners Cuba and Venezuela, saying the country will not apologise for those ties despite mounting geopolitical tensions following the reported abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by United States forces.Ngurare made the remarks on Wednesday while signing a book of condolences at the Venezuelan embassy in Windhoek in honour of those who perished in the January 3 U.S. military operation — a move widely condemned by Venezuelan, Cuban and a number of African and global voices as a violation of sovereignty and international law.
He signed the condolences book on behalf of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, expressing Namibia’s deep sense of solidarity with Venezuela and Cuba.
“We mourn the loss of life in that tragic operation and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of Venezuelan and Cuban personnel who died,” Ngurare said. “Namibia’s friendship with Cuba and Venezuela is rooted in shared history, mutual respect and common struggle. We stand by our friends in the global south — unwavering and unashamed.”
Ngurare spoke of the personal resonance of the crisis within Namibia, noting that members of the Namibian leadership, including the minister of finance Ericah Shafudah who was also present at yesterday’s occassion, had studied in Cuba, and that many Namibians were deeply affected by the news from Caracas.
“The President of the Republic sends her deepest condolences to those who have perished and assures the Venezuelan and Cuban people of our enduring solidarity,” he said. “We cannot forget our friends in the global south.”
He invoked the late Cuban leader Fidel Castro, recalling his oft-quoted sentiment that “in the veins of every Cuban, there is African blood” — a metaphor Ngurare said underscores the shared history and mutual commitment to stand together in both sorrow and hope.
Ngurare’s comments come as international reactions continue to unfold, with numerous states and blocs calling for respect for sovereignty and peaceful resolution of the crisis.
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