On January 14, 2025, the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) made a historic announcement regarding their decision to hand over a range of significant artefacts for exhibition at the Museum of African Liberation in Harare, Zimbabwe.
The meeting, held in Havana, was attended by a high-level delegation from Zimbabwe, led by His Excellency President Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Special Envoy on the Museum of African Liberation, Ambassador Simbarashe Mumbengegwi.
The Zimbabwean delegation included key figures such as Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Mr. Zvinechimwe Churu, Brigadier-General Million Ndlovu of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of African Knowledge (INSTAK), Ambassador Kwame Muzawazi.
At the meeting, the FAR’s Command Element outlined the items that will be transferred to Zimbabwe’s Museum of African Liberation. Among the highlights are armoured vehicles used during the iconic Battle of Cuito Cuanavale, a pistol once owned by Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, and other important artefacts symbolizing Cuba’s immense contributions to the liberation struggles across Africa.
Ambassador Muzawazi expressed gratitude for the generous gesture, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the artefacts for future generations. He assured the Cuban government of Zimbabwe’s commitment to the protection and preservation of these invaluable items. “We will ensure that these artefacts are treated with the utmost care and reverence they deserve,” said Ambassador Muzawazi.
Notably, the Museum of African Liberation has already designated a special section to honor Cuba’s role in the Southern African liberation struggle. This space, dedicated to Cuba and the broader Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, is nearing completion, with the interior of the Zimbabwe section almost fully ready. According to Muzawazi, the external areas will also display Cuban equipment upon its arrival, with full security and logistical support provided by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
The Museum of African Liberation, which is a key project of INSTAK, is part of the wider Liberation City development, a 101-hectare multipurpose complex. The museum itself seeks to document and commemorate the African continent’s battle for independence from European colonial powers, as well as the critical role played by countries such as Cuba, China, and Russia.
Cuba’s involvement in Africa, particularly in Angola during the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale from 1987 to 1988, remains one of the most significant contributions to the continent’s liberation. The battle was a turning point in the fight against apartheid, with Cuban troops alongside Angolan and Namibian forces halting the advance of apartheid-backed rebels and turning the tide in Southern Africa’s struggle for freedom.
Ambassador Mumbengegwi also stressed the importance of the Cuban contribution, noting that the artefacts would serve as an enduring reminder of Cuba’s solidarity with African nations in their fight for liberation.
The Cuban donation marks a new chapter in the Museum of African Liberation’s efforts to preserve the continent’s historical memory. Once completed, the museum will serve as a powerful educational tool, promoting Pan-African unity and the shared history of liberation struggles. With additional support from the Zimbabwean government, the museum is poised to become a global landmark for those interested in Africa’s rich and tumultuous journey towards freedom.
The Museum of African Liberation is set to play a critical role in shaping the historical narrative of Africa’s liberation while fostering international cooperation and understanding of the sacrifices made by those who fought for the continent’s freedom.
