Operation Carlota: Cuba's Greatest Act of Internationalism
Havana, Cuba – Fifty years after its inception, Operación Carlota remains a shining example of Cuba's commitment to international solidarity and anti-imperialism. Launched on November 5, 1975, this military mission in Angola was named after an enslaved African woman who led a rebellion in Cuba during the 19th century. The operation marked a turning point in the fight for Angola's independence and in the global anti-apartheid struggle.
As Angola declared independence from Portuguese colonial rule in 1975, it faced immediate threats from internal factions backed by apartheid South Africa and Western powers. Responding to a plea from the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), the Cuban government deployed over 36,000 troops, military advisors, and medical personnel to assist the fledgling nation.
Over the course of 16 years, Cuban forces fought alongside Angolan and Namibian liberation movements, halting apartheid South Africa's advances and decisively shaping the region's future. The culmination of these efforts came with the 1988 Battle of Cuito Cuanavale, widely regarded as a pivotal moment in dismantling apartheid and securing Namibian independence.
"This mission was not about territorial gain or material profit," said a spokesperson for the Cuban Foreign Ministry. "It was a selfless act of internationalism, rooted in our shared history with Africa and our commitment to justice."
Operation Carlota had profound ripple effects, from ending apartheid-era aggression to strengthening Cuba's ties with African nations. The mission also bolstered Cuba’s international reputation as a beacon of solidarity, even as it faced economic challenges at home.
Today, Cuba commemorates Operation Carlota through public ceremonies, cultural events, and educational programs. Survivors of the mission and their families are celebrated as heroes, and Angola continues to honor Cuba's contributions to its independence and sovereignty.
Operation Carlota stands as a reminder of the power of solidarity in the fight against oppression, resonating far beyond the borders of Cuba and Angola.
