Havana, Cuba.- Twenty-eight African political parties and progressive organizations signed an unequivocal declaration of solidarity with the people and Government of Cuba — in the South African city of Johannesburg — in the face of continued aggression by the United States. The declaration was issued during a meeting convened this Thursday by the African Left Networking Forum (ALNEF), as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ portal, Cubaminrex.

The text– facilitated by the South African Communist Party (SACP) — reaffirms the commitment of the continent’s leftist forces to the defense of Cuba’s sovereignty and condemns the economic, commercial, and financial blockade — aggravated by an energy blockade — that Washington has imposed for 66 years.

“We pledge and affirm our unwavering support and solidarity with the Cuban people and the Government of the Socialist Republic of Cuba.”

The signatories recalled Cuba’s historic contribution to the struggle against colonialism and apartheid in Africa, including the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale, which paved the way for the independence of Angola, Namibia, and South Africa.

“Cuba has demonstrated unparalleled solidarity with Africa through its medical brigades, educational programs, and technical cooperation,” the document notes.

The declaration demands the immediate lifting of the illegal blockade against Cuba and calls upon the United Nations Security Council and African governments to strengthen diplomatic, economic, scientific, and cultural cooperation with the island.

“Today, in Cuba’s hour of need, we — the peoples of Africa — embrace our historic internationalist duty to stand firmly, shoulder to shoulder, with the people of Cuba,” the text emphasizes. The undersigned parties and organizations pledged to strengthen their ties with the Communist Party of Cuba and to respect the Caribbean nation’s inalienable right to independence, national dignity, and territorial integrity.

“Africa stands firm in its solidarity with Cuba! The struggle continues!” concludes the declaration.

Full list of signatories: South African Communist Party (SACP), African National Congress (ANC), Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), South African National Civic Organization (SANCO), Umkhonto We Sizwe Military Veterans’ Association (MKMVA), Friends of Cuba Society (FOCUS), Young Communist League of South Africa (YCLSA), ANC Youth League (ANCYL), South African Students Congress (SASCO), MPLA of Angola, Frelimo of Mozambique, PUDEMO of Swaziland, BNF of Botswana, SWAPO Party of Namibia, SPLM, UNIP of Zambia, Communist Party USA, Communist Party of Israel, Communist Party of Lesotho, Communist Party of Swaziland, Communist Party of Zimbabwe, Communist Party of the Congo, Marxist Communist Party of Kenya, Sudanese Communist Party, Communist Party of South Sudan, Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) South Africa, Africa4Palestine, Swaziland Solidarity Network, Embassy of the State of Palestine, Embassy of Vietnam, and Embassy of North Korea.