Fidel Castro, Cuba’s former president and leader of the Communist revolution, has died aged 90, state TV has announced.
It provided no further details.
Fidel Castro ruled Cuba as a one-party state for almost half a century before handing over the powers to his brother Raul in 2008.
His supporters praised him as a man who had given Cuba back to the people. But his opponents accused him of brutally suppressing opposition.
In April, Fidel Castro gave a rare speech on the final day of the country’s Communist Party congress.
He acknowledged his advanced age but said Cuban communist concepts were still valid and the Cuban people “will be victorious”.
“I’ll soon be 90,” the former president said, adding that this was “something I’d never imagined”.
“Soon I’ll be like all the others, “to all our turn must come,” Fidel Castro said.
Fidel Castro’s key dates
1926: Born in the south-eastern Oriente Province of Cuba
1953: Imprisoned after leading an unsuccessful rising against Batista’s regime
1955: Released from prison under an amnesty deal
1956: With Che Guevara, begins a guerrilla war against the government
1959: Defeats Batista, sworn in as prime minister of Cuba
1960: Fights off CIA-sponsored Bay of Pigs invasion by Cuban exiles
1962: Sparks Cuban missile crisis by agreeing that USSR can deploy nuclear missiles in Cuba
1976: Elected president by Cuba’s National Assembly
1992: Reaches an agreement with US over Cuban refugees
2008: Stands down as president of Cuba due to health issues
Source: BBC History
We Ethiopians owe the great Fidel Castro and the people of Cuba for the help in times of hardship against aggressive Zeyed Barre army of Somalia in 1977. The Cubans also adopted thousands of orphans from Ethiopia some of whom are highly qualified medical doctors. Cuba, despite 50 years of embargo the most successful education system and the best medical doctors in the world exporting to Latin America and the rest of the world.
Dear Editor
Fidel Castro Dead. the best freind of Ethiopia Socialist Revolution
Respected by Ethiopians,He helps us when Somalia invadead our country
big leader Fidel Castro Deaed at 90 years old .Good age
Ethiopia has lost a friend. I was in close proximity when thousands of Cubans came to our rescue and defended our borders, which they did courageously. Cubans sacrificed their lives for us and without complaint, helped in the hospitals and trained many in various sectors.
Dr.Castro was our critical moment friend!!! We were invaded by General Said Barre of Somalia. He trained us heavy artillery and manoeuvering tanks. Within a year, we drove out the enemy!!! Catstro!! Ethiopians will never forget you!!