The former President of Cuba Fidel Castro has died at the age of 90.
Cuba’s incumbent president Raul Castro, announcing the news on television on Friday night, said,
“With profound sadness I am appearing to inform our people and our friends across [Latin] America and the world, that today, 25 November 2016, at 10.29pm, Fidel Castro, the commander in chief of the Cuban revolution, died. In accordance with his wishes, his remains will be cremated.”
Over half a century ago, Fidel Castro’s militant forces replaced the corrupt dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista and implemented communist rule over the nation.
The Castro administration’s greatest legacy remains to be the achievement of state wide free healthcare and education, which despite international embargos gave the region some of the best human development statistics.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau extended his condolences to Cuba, stating,
“It is with deep sorrow that I learned today of the death of Cuba’s longest serving president.. We join the people of Cuba today in mourning the loss of this remarkable leader.” While a controversial figure, both Mr Castro’s supporters and detractors recognise his tremendous dedication and the love Cuban people who had a need and lasting affection for ‘El Comandante’.”
Irish president, Michael D Higgins, said Castro guided Cuba “through a remarkable process of social and political change, advocating a development path that was unique and determinedly independent”.
France’s President Francois Hollande, marking Mr Castro’s death, said,
“Fidel Castro was a towering figure of the 20th century. He incarnated the Cuban revolution in both its hopes and subsequent disillusionments.
India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, said the news was “tragic”, describing Castro as “one of the most iconic personalities of the 20th century” and “a great friend”.
South Africa’s president Jacob Zuma, noted Fidel’s Castro in helping end apartheid, stating,
“President Castro identified with our struggle against apartheid. He inspired the Cuban people to join us in our own struggle against apartheid.”
The Cuban government has declared 9 days of national mourning.
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