page_title: Death and state funeral of Fidel Castro
section_title: States
hierarchical_section_title: Death and state funeral of Fidel Castro / Reactions / International / States
caption_attribution_description: Español: Homenajes a Fidel Castro en la Embajada de Cuba en Buenos Aires, Argentina, tras su fallecimiento.
context_page_description: The former First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Council of State, Fidel Castro died of natural causes at 22:29 in the evening of 25 November 2016. His brother, the then-President of the State Council and current First Secretary Raúl Castro, made an announcement about his death on state television. One of the most controversial political leaders of his era, Castro both inspired and dismayed people across the world during his lifetime. The London Observer stated that he proved to be "as divisive in death as he was in life", and that the only thing that his "enemies and admirers" agreed upon was that he was "a towering figure" in world affairs who "transformed a small Caribbean island into a major force in world affairs". The Daily Telegraph noted that across the world he was "either praised as a brave champion of the people, or derided as a power-mad dictator."
  Castro's body was cremated and his ashes were interred in Santiago de Cuba on 4 December 2016, and hundreds of thousands of Cubans commemorated the event.
context_section_description: Africa
   Algeria – President Abdelaziz Bouteflika expressed his condolences and stated that the "people of Algeria [...] have a special relationship with El Commandante, made of respect, admiration and mutual affection." An eight-day national mourning period was announced.
   Angola – President José Eduardo dos Santos expressing his condolences and added Castro was a figure "of transcendent historical importance, who left his mark on his era by the role he played in his country and in the great transformation of humanity, for the sake of freedom, social justice and development." He further expressed his gratitude for "the solidarity that Cuba offered to the struggle of colonised peoples, in particular to the Angolan people;" he further pointed out Cuba's contribution to Angola's "sovereignty and territorial integrity" in resistance to "the aggression of the then racist regime of South Africa."
   Burkina Faso – President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré expressed condolences to the Cuban people "at the death of the leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro."
   Burundi – President Pierre Nkurunziza offered his condolences to Raúl Castro and the people of Cuba. He also saluted Castro as a "great leader."
   Cape Verde – President Jorge Carlos Fonseca expressed his "deep condolences" to Raúl Castro and the Cuban people. He added that Castro was both a "controversial figure" and "charismatic leader" who "led one of the most important revolutions of the twentieth century...that had an impact not only in Cuba but also in Latin America and other African and Asian countries." He also praised Castro's work in building the relationship between Cape Verde and Cuba and for the aid of Cuban health workers in Cape Verde post-independence.
   Congo – President Denis Sassou Nguesso sent a condolence letter to his Cuban counterpart in which he praised Castro's as an "emblematic figure of the peoples' emancipation" and who had devoted himself to "the triumph of noble causes." He further stressing Castro's contribution to the liberation struggle of African countries.
   Egypt – President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, in a letter, expressed his condolences to Raúl Castro and the Cuban people. He defined Castro as "a symbol of struggle and defending the issues of developing countries."
   Equatorial Guinea – President Teodoro Obiang said that he shared with Castro "a personal friendship and political ideas."
   Ethiopia – President Mulatu Teshome:"Castro was a friend of Ethiopia who helped it in its struggle to defend its territorial integrity." Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn said that Castro "will be remembered forever."
   Gabon – President Ali Bongo Ondimba expressed condolences to the Cuban people.
   Gambia – President Yahya Jammeh suspended his re-election campaign to mourn Castro's death.
   Ghana – President John Dramani Mahama wrote: "Comrade Fidel Castro will forever remain in our hearts and minds – he helped shape the world!"
   Kenya – President Uhuru Kenyatta praised Castro as "a legendary freedom fighter" and stated: "Fidel Castro successfully led a revolution inspired by his devout vision of a free, equitable and prosperous Cuba. His success did not stop at the revolution; his government proceeded to successfully implement social policies which have continued to bestow the benefits of the best social services for all Cubans. […] We are now left with his legacy and an obligation to continue the struggle for the economic liberation of the South, reform of international governance to reflect our diversity and sovereign aspirations, and an end to exclusion and marginalization of nations and peoples".
  Leader of the Opposition Raila Odinga praised Castro as "a great friend and true friend of Africa and other parts of the world that had to fight long and bitter wars to attain freedom from colonialism." Noting Castro's outspoken opposition to apartheid in South Africa, he described him as "a source of inspiration and courage for all those who value and fought for freedom. I send heartfelt and deep condolences to his family and to the people of Cuba."
   Liberia – Pr
caption: Embassy of Cuba in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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