Cuban official to be decorated posthumously with Angolan medal

HAVANA, Cuba, Sep 15 (ACN) Commander Raul Diaz-Argüelles (1937-1975), the first head of Cuba's military mission in the People's Republic of Angola (PRA), will be one of those honored (posthumously) with commemorative medals for the 50th anniversary of the African country's national independence.

Diaz-Argüelles is among the group of personalities to be recognized with the special decoration for their contributions to the nation. This will take place during a ceremony, scheduled for September 29 and 30, Prensa Latina reported.

According to the information, which cites a statement from the Angolan Presidency, the Cuban officer will be the third to receive it, if applicable, corresponding to the Peace and Development Class. Army Corps General Leopoldo Cintra Frias previously received it personally, in the Independence Class, and Brigadier General Rafael Moracen Limonta, also in the Peace and Development Class, posthumously.

At the event, medals are to be awarded to 759 people or their families: 115 in the Independence Class and 644 in the Peace and Development Class, according to the same source.

To date, nearly 1,600 national and international figures have been honored, including freedom fighters, political leaders, musicians, writers, artists, athletes, religious figures, and members of civil society.

Raul Diaz-Argüelles was involved in the early stages of Cuban military collaboration in the APR, at the request of Antonio Agostinho Neto's government, and participated in some of the key battles that helped secure its national independence on November 11, 1975.

On October 21, when opening the Cuanza Sul hospital, named after the Cuban who died on his land, President João Lourenço said that the institution bears the name of a great freedom fighter, whose contribution was very significant.

He mentioned his role in the Battle of Kifangondo, whose victory led to the declaration of independence; and the Battle of Ebo, just a month after Angola emerged free from colonialism, which prevented troops from the South African regime from advancing toward Luanda and the loss of what had been won, he explained.