Honourable delegates, esteemed comrades, and friends of the struggle,
As a representative of the Central Organizing Committee of the Communist Party of Kenya, it is both an honour and a duty to address this esteemed gathering convened by the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP). In this pivotal moment, amidst the relentless onslaught of imperialism, our presence here signifies not just solidarity, but a reaffirmation of our unwavering commitment to the cause of peace, sovereignty, and socialism.
The struggle we face today, my comrades, is not merely against abstract forces, but against the very machinery of imperialism, particularly the pernicious grip of Anglo-Saxon imperialism. It is an enemy that seeks to subjugate, exploit, and dominate, trampling upon the rights and dignity of nations and peoples. In recognizing this, we must boldly declare that the only viable solution to this death machine is the replacement of neoliberal globalization with an international socialism rooted in friendship, mutual respect, and solidarity.
Central to our party's ideology is the principle of internationalism, an acknowledgement that the struggle against imperialism transcends borders and necessitates global solidarity. It is incumbent upon us, as revolutionaries, to stand in profound, unconditional, and permanent solidarity with all just causes and oppressed peoples around the world.
Cuba, our gracious host, stands as a beacon of the global anti-imperialist struggle, embodying the spirit of resistance and resilience against imperial encroachment. It is the homeland of revolutionaries, among them the indomitable Comrade Fidel Castro, whose legacy inspires us in our own struggles.
I commend the invaluable work of ICAP and the Progressive International in convening this conference, providing a platform for voices of resistance to be heard and solidarity to be strengthened. The timing of this gathering is auspicious, set against the backdrop of imperialist wars, Zionist genocide in Gaza, and proxy conflicts orchestrated by the hegemonic powers.
We must seize this moment to advance our struggle for socialism to new heights. The transition from unipolarity to multipolarity in global politics presents an opportunity for revolutionaries to reshape the world order in favour of the oppressed and marginalized.
It is incumbent upon us to condemn unequivocally the unilateral coercive measures, sanctions, and economic blockades imposed by the imperialist powers, particularly the United States, against heroic nations like Cuba. These acts of economic aggression not only stifle development but also inflict untold suffering on innocent populations.
The decline of the rogue state of the USA and its Western allies is inevitable, hastened by their own arrogance and greed. We must prepare for the inevitable fall of these oppressive regimes, ensuring that the people, not the ruling classes, emerge victorious in the aftermath.
History bears witness to the power of solidarity and popular uprising in overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds. From the defeat of the US in Vietnam to the dismantling of apartheid in South Africa, and now the ongoing resistance against the Zionist project in Israel, the collective strength of the oppressed has time and again prevailed against tyranny.
In the case of Vietnam, it was the unyielding resistance of the Vietnamese people, coupled with international solidarity, that dealt a decisive blow to US imperialism. The heroic struggle of the Vietnamese people inspired movements for liberation and self-determination around the world, demonstrating the power of unity in the face of aggression.
Similarly, in South Africa, it was the concerted efforts of the international community, including mass protests, economic boycotts, and diplomatic pressure, that ultimately brought an end to the apartheid regime. The solidarity shown towards the African National Congress and other liberation movements played a crucial role in dismantling the racist system of oppression.
Today, we stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people in their ongoing struggle against the brutal occupation and colonization of their land by the Zionist state of Israel. The recent August resistance attack, which disrupted the temporary peace enjoyed by the Zionist regime, is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Palestinian people in the face of overwhelming odds.
As we gather here in Havana, let us reaffirm our commitment to the principles of internationalism, solidarity, and socialism. Let us pledge to continue the fight against imperialism in all its forms, recognizing that our struggle is not just for ourselves but for future generations who deserve a world free from oppression and exploitation.
Long live the struggle! Long live international solidarity! Long Live the Communist Party of Kenya!
Thank you.
By Booker Ngesa Omole, The National Vice Chairperson of the Central Organizing Committee of the Communist Party of Kenya.