50 years after Operation "Carlota", Cuba remembers an epic struggle in defense of human dignity

Image via the PCC

By Alina Perera Robbio, translated from the Spanish

LIMONAR, Matanzas - On Thursday morning, the President of the Republic of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, laid two bouquets of red roses at the base of the lists of internationalist fighters who fell in Angola. The ribbon, which unites the names in the Museo del Esclavo Rebelde — formerly the site of the Triumvirato Sugar Mill — reads "Beloved sons of the Homeland."

In the enclosure, beside those who chose their path in defense of humanity, a phrase from Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz—spoken at the iconic Mausoleum of Cacahual—sends a shiver: "These men and women to whom today we give an honorable burial in the warm land where they were born, died for the most sacred values of our history and our Revolution."

Just meters away from Díaz-Canel Bermúdez's visit to the Museum, the Political Act and Military Ceremony had occurred, marking the 50th anniversary of the start of Cuba's Internationalist Military Mission in the Republic of Angola, historically known as Operation "Carlota".Led by the Head of State, the event was also attended by Roberto Morales Ojeda, a member of the Political Bureau and the Secretary of Organization of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, along with Yuniasky Crespo Baquero, the head of the Ideological Department of the Central Committee.

The tribute in Matanzas began with the presentation of three floral arrangements honoring the heroes and martyrs of Operation "Carlota," on behalf of the Leader of the Revolution and Army General, Raúl Castro Ruz; the President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez; and the Cuban people.

On November 5, 1975, following a direct and urgent appeal from Angola's newly independent government, Cuba initiated the internationalist Operation "Carlota." This mission, spearheaded by people from the island, aimed to secure the independence of the sister nation and expedite the fall of apartheid in South Africa.

Reserve Colonel Lázaro Oquendo Ordóñez, who fought as an internationalist in the Republic of Angola, spoke on Thursday, stating that "the epic in Angola is recorded among the most illustrious chapters in the history of our homeland and internationalism." He also said:

"Over 300,000 fighters had the esteemed honor and privilege of offering solidarity aid to that comrade people, during times when their sovereignty, independence, and future were threatened, following centuries of colonial exploitation."

From Cabinda to Cunene, the combatant stated, "we were present, without hesitation." He remembered that seasoned military leaders, young officers—many of them fresh graduates—non-commissioned officers, sergeants, soldiers, and reservists embraced the challenge. He also noted that "women participated as worthy heirs of Mariana."

Lázaro Oquendo Ordóñez said: "We went to Angola out of conscience, out of conviction." He stated that this was true because they understood "what it means to stand with the Angolans and to collectively strive to realize and protect the dream of creating a new society."

In another part of his speech, he emphasized: "We return from Angola to our Homeland victorious, with our heads held high, proud to have fulfilled a fundamental duty and settled a debt with humanity. We also bring back the mortal remains of those who fell during the mission, to whom we pay the most heartfelt tribute."

He was fully aware of the tumultuous global situation that "demands the utmost attention," noting that "imperial ambitions of domination persist. Therefore, from this platform, we reiterate to the nation's top leadership that the internationalist fighters in Angola remain present, engaged in battle with the same spirit, conviction, and readiness to accomplish the mission entrusted to us."

During a morning of tribute attended by the Hero of the Republic of Cuba, Army Corps General Joaquín Quintas Solá, along with other senior officers of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) and the Ministry of the Interior, the speaker highlighted that the mission reaffirmed the importance of unity and the trust placed in Fidel and Raúl, who were informed of every detail of the victory.

Under the leadership of General of Division Víctor Rojo Ramos, head of the Political Directorate of the FAR, the central address of the Political Act took place, attended by today's young combatants. He emphasized that the gathering was to commemorate a historically significant event, one that marked a turning point, and he highlighted how Cubans "responded with courage and solidarity to the call of Angola, a comrade people fighting for their independence and freedom."

He stated that Operation Cartola represented Cuba's dedication and internationalist commitment, as well as a strong intention to support justice and the self-determination of nations. He also emphasized that, "in those decisive years, thousands of Cuban combatants crossed seas and borders to join forces with those of the Angolans in a common cause: to build a sovereign future, free from foreign domination."

"This heroic act transcended the military: it was a commitment to human dignity and to the revolutionary ideals that we share."

"We proudly remember every soldier, doctor, technician and aid worker who with sacrifice and dedication contributed to the triumph of Angola and to strengthening the bonds of brotherhood between our peoples and nations."

Operation Carlota, he said, "is a living testimony of Cuba's firm will to fight for social justice, beyond its borders." And he emphasized that, "half a century after that heroic effort, we reaffirm our commitment to international solidarity, the fight against all forms of neocolonialism, and respect for the sovereignty of peoples."

In that monumental epic spanning 15 years and seven months, Cuba – as emphasized by Major General Víctor Rojo Ramos – "emerged as a symbol of unwavering solidarity, steadfast loyalty to principles, seriousness in honoring commitments, and unyielding dignity in confronting eternal enemies."

At another point in his speech, the head of the Political Directorate of the FAR said that "the Cuban victory on African soil, in the words of Nelson Mandela, marked the turning point to free the continent, and South Africa in particular, from the scourge of Apartheid once and for all."

In accomplishing this remarkable selfless collaboration, the fighter stated, "over 300,000 compatriots stood watch or fought alongside the Angolan patriots, with more than 2,000 sacrificing their noble and generous lives in the line of duty."

Concerning the present difficulties the island is facing, including adverse forces like the imperial blockade and natural disasters, Víctor Rojo Ramos expressed confidence—consistently upheld by the leaders of the Cuban Revolution—that the courage and unity of a noble people will undoubtedly result in new victories.

This work was translated and shared via a License CC-BY-NC