Battle of Cuito Cuanavale to be observed yearly

President Hage Geingob has said the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale will be celebrated despite attempts to have its significance downplayed.
The Battle of Cuito Cuanavale is to date the largest engagement on the African continent since World War II and was fought intermittently between the People's Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola (FAPLA), Cuba, South Africa, and insurgents of the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) during the Angolan Civil War and South African Border War.
The battle is said to have sparked Namibia’s transition towards independence.
“There have been failed attempts by bitter losers who have been trying to undermine our victory, distort the history and downplay the significance of the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale. Let me assure you that SADC will continue to celebrate this battle, promote its historic significance and defend the honour of our veterans, whose gallantry defines this great battle,” said Geingob speaking at a the inaugural commemoration of Southern Africa Liberation Day in Cuito Cuanavale, Angola
Geingob thanked SADC for recognising the day.
“I wish to take this opportunity to thank the leaders of the Southern African Development Community for collectively taking a summit decision to declare March 23 as the Southern Africa Liberation Day,” he said.
According to him, SADC was now moving in unison because of the events that unfolded during that historic battle.
“Today, SADC nations are enhancing regional integration because of the blood that was shed to pave the way for the independence and freedom in our region. We now owe it to our heroes and heroines to make sustainable development and prosperity for our people, a reality,” he said.
“That decision affirms our shared history and consolidates our unity. By officially commemorating our liberation, we can look towards a shared future,” he added.
The battle he said was decisive in ending apartheid rule in South Africa.
“It is this battle that led to majority rule and freedom in South Africa and marked the end of Apartheid. It is this battle which brought peace and security in the SADC region whereby countries in the region no longer experienced attacks and threats from a murderous regime,” said Geingob.

OGONE TLHAGE