Cuba and Angola - The War for Freedom by Harry Villegas
“Those unwilling to fight for the freedom of others will never be able to fight for their own”. This book is a powerful example of humanitarian effort motivated by a strong sense of justice and the will to help people in need. Apartheid South Africa was a sickening example of white supremacy in its rawest form; after Angola broke free of Portuguese colonial rule South Africa attempted to impose its own rule on the long-suffering nation. The United States, along with the United Kingdom, were key allies of South Africa and their power of veto on any proposed United Nations sanctions meant the country could carry on with its despicably racist and dehumanising policies with no accountability. The tiny nation of Cuba had other ideas and rushed to support Angola in protecting and supporting their people, this contributed greatly to the liberation of Angola, weakening South Africa and ending apartheid!
This book is written from the perspective of an experienced Brigadier General of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces, he offers great insights into the tactics employed, the political situation, as well as the strong sense of belief embodied in every action the troops and leadership took to help another nation liberate itself. It describes the benefits of guerilla warfare compared to conventional tactics in gaining the confidence and trust of the population whilst accumulating small victories. The Soviets also had a military presence but their more traditional strategies were not as effective in gaining the support of the people of Angola, potentially because their presence helped to justify imperialist governments’ support of South Africa. I do suspect however that this greater military presence probably helped shift some attention away from Cuban guerilla shenanigans.
I read this when the Covid-19 pandemic was just beginning to ravage Italy and brigades of Cuban doctors flew across the world to give aid to those in need. Decades of international solidarity with others whilst having to struggle with a cruel embargo imposed by the United States is impressive beyond anything being done in any country I can think of, which is why I enjoy exploring it and feel it is worth sharing. Everything I have read or heard from Cuba highlights a commitment to putting the needs of human beings at the centre of every action and it really made me think about the value of giving your all for a cause with no thought of getting anything in return.
