The African Stalingrad---Battle of Cuito Cuanavale




Battle of Cuito Cuanavale:--Often referred to as the African Stalingrad

The Battle of Cuito Cuanavale was one of the most important episodes of both the civil war in Angola (1975 to 2002) and the South African Border War. The armies of Cuba, Angola and South Africa met at Cuito Cuanavale in 1987. The battle has been called "Africa's largest land battle since World War II". With all sides claiming victory, it was considered a turning point in the Angolan civil war, contributing to the departure of Cuban, South African and other foreign troops from Angola.


The SADF side claimed they inflicted severe casualties on the Cubans --forcing them to the negotiation table, whilst the Cubans claimed they defeated Pretoria's objective of establishing regional hegemony - a strategy which was vital to defending and preserving apartheid.



Below is a BBC4 documentary examining Cuba's role in Southern Africa and the the events leading up to the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale


Download DivX Video Player -- HERE

Whoever won the battle? It is agreed that the battle is considered a turning point in the geo-political balance of Southern Africa.






Sources --You can see by the sources---- that the battle still rages in cyberspace as to who won the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale and what it really meant to Southern Africa.



Cuban Viewpoint--
The Battle of Cuito Cuanavale and Cuba's Role in the Defeat of Apartheid
http://www.itsabouttimebpp.com/Announcements/Fidel_on_30th_Anniversary.html



SADFViewpoint--
Operations Moduler and Hooper 1987-88 --

Who won the battle of Cuito Cuanavale?

Cuba's Mythical Victory
http://flecha.co.uk/32photo.html

This post by BSS member BluPlanet examines South Africa's Forgotten War - Bases + Battlefield with links to a SADF perspective on the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale

Neutral Viewpoint--

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Cuito_Cuanavale

Angolans Besting South Africa in a Remote Battle----New York Times Published: May 18, 1988

http://www.stage6.com/History---Modern-Wars/video/2133725/02-Cuba!-Africa!-Revolution!




Thankfully---Peace has now returned to Southern Africa. Lets hope all the peoples can now prosper.

Another great History lesson Danes

Thanks

Danescombe, this is wonderful. I can't wait to really dig in and check out all the links. I was only marginally knowledgeable about Cuba's involvement in Angola and this fills in some blanks (have lots of those ). Well researched, well done!

Diane

P.S. And if any photo epitomizes Africa, it's the one you found of the skinny boy doing cartwheels in front of a bullet-riddled wall. Joy amidst the suffering...how do they do it?

D

Diane --Thanks for your kind words

Cuba's involvement in supporting Southern African States is a fascinating story.

It was no coincidence that after Nelson Mandela become President of a post apartheid South Africa --his very first foreign trip was to Havana to thank Castro for his support.





Note- The Stage6 site has gone off air. I'm looking out for another source of the BBC Storyville film Cuba! Africa! Revolution

EDIT-- New source of Film Cuba ! Africa ! Revolution!




Note--- This is a 5min preview --To watch whole film
Download Veoh TV video player-- HERE

danescombe -

Can't wait to get home from work so I can watch this video!

Meanwhile, have you ever seen this 1964 propaganda gem, Soy Cuba (I am Cuba)? I guess you can think of it as a "Dramaganda," a Russian/Cuban collaboration. Highly creative and weird. Wonderful B&W, vintage music and of course those fabulous cars!

d

I found a copy of "Yo Soy Cuba" & I see what you mean ---All looks rosy in the Cuban garden






NOTE:- To View the whole film-you need to download the Veoh Video Player -- HERE