Day 2 of the 28 Days of Black Liberation 2024 series
African unity was only possible with national liberation. The battle of Cuito Cuanavale was a critical turning point in the struggle for African liberation and against apartheid. From November 1987 to March 1988, the racist white South African armed forces repeatedly tried and failed to capture Cuito Cuanavale in its attempt to hold on to Namibia as its colony. In southern Africa, this battle has attained legendary status. The African and Cuban forces included Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation), People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN), South West African People’s Organisation (SWAPO), and the People’s Armed Forces of Liberation of Angola (PAFLA). Cuito Cuanavale decisively thwarted Pretoria’s objective of establishing regional hegemony (a strategy which was vital to defending and preserving apartheid), directly led to the independence of Namibia and accelerated the dismantling of its racist system. The battle is often referred to as the African Stalingrad of apartheid. Cuba’s internationalist contribution was crucial as it provided the essential reinforcements, material and planning— 330,000 Cubans went to Angola to support its Independence struggle.
Further Material:
BBC – Cuba! Africa! Revolution! (English) a must watch!
In the United States, the Black liberation struggle is the vanguard of the revolutionary class struggle. Black resistance to white supremacy has been the catalyst for nearly all critical social ruptures throughout american history. White workers choosing an alliance with the bosses instead of siding with the rest of the working class is the primary roadblock to revolutionary anti-capitalism in the us.
The GDC celebrates the Black liberation struggle and draws inspiration and lessons from its proud history in our struggle for the new world we are fighting for. Join us every day this February as we celebrate Black revolutionary culture, political prisoners, international figures and struggles, and moments in direct action that guide us in our continued, collective fight for liberation!