ANC Mourns Passing of Cuban Revolutionary Jorge Risquet Valdes-Saldana

1 October 2015

The African National Congress sends its condolences to the people of Cuba and the Communist Party of Cuba on the passing of Comrade Jorge Risquet Valdes-Saldana who died in Havana, Cuba at the age of 85. Comrade Jorge Risquet was a founder member of the Communist Party of Cuba, a veteran of the Sierra Maestra and Commander of the Patrice Lumumba Internationalist Battalion in Congo Brazzaville.

A true revolutionary and friend of the people of Africa, Comrade Jorge Risquet was the Director of the Cuban Internationalist Civil Mission in the Republic of Angola between 1975 and 1979. He was a key negotiator who led the Cuban delegation in four-party negotiations between Cuba, Angola, the U.S. and South Africa in 1988 which led to the independence of Namibia and ultimately South Africa.

The passing of this giant of the Cuban revolution and outstanding progressive internationalist leaves the world much poorer as we continue to strive to emulate his lessons of selflessness and solidarity. His contribution to the revolution and the liberation of the African majority will never be forgotten.

Issued by
Jessie Duarte
Deputy Secretary General

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