02/06/2026
The following was copied directly from UDASA's page including the photos. We do commend UDASA for fullfing their duty as intellectual formation.
UDASA pays a courtesy visit to the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in Tanzania
Today, June 1, 2026, a delegation of representatives from the University of Dar es Salaam Academic Staff Assembly (UDASA), comprising Professors Elgidius Ichumbaki, Daniel Shilla, and Dr Digna Mlengule, and Professor Issa Shivji, paid a courtesy visit to the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in Tanzania. The delegation met and engaged in a brief discussion with H. E. Mr Yordenis Despaigne, the Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Tanzania.
The mission to the embassy had two aims: to hand over the public statement that UDASA leadership issued on 29th May 2026 and to engage with the embassy on what UDASA (and willing Tanzanians) can do to support the Cuban people during these difficult times.
“On behalf of over 1,500 academics of the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), we came to request you to convey our message to the Cuban people. Tell them to remain strong in these difficult times and that Tanzanians stand with you”, Prof Elgidius Ichumbaki, the UDASA Chairman and Principal Executive, told the ambassador.
“We wish to convey our sincere solidarity with the people of Cuba, whose resilience in the face of prolonged economic hardship and humanitarian challenges remains a testament to their strength and dignity”, reiterated Prof. Daniel Shilla, the UDASA Vice Chairman.
“We are aware of what is going on in Cuba; we understand how much the children are suffering because of the continued sanctions the US has put on Cuba for several years. We demand that the US respect the lives of the Cuban people and lift the sanctions,” said Dr Mlengule, UDASA Deputy Secretary.
H. E. Mr Yodenis thanked UDASA for the moral support to the Cuban people. While providing the historical relations tensions between Cuba and the US, he outlined the deep humanitarian and economic crisis the Cuban people are going through because of the US sanctions that have continued for over 60 years.
“Cuba is neither a threat, an enemy, nor a rival to the US. It is a country of peace and wishes to see harmony prevail among nations. However, we are prepared to protect our sovereignty and the dignity of our people,” concludes H.E. Ambassador Yordenis.
“Historically, Cuba has been a friend to Tanzania and has taught us what it means to be human. The sacrifice Cuba made to Africa can never be forgotten today and in the future. We, UDASA members, stand with the Cuban people to demand that the US lift the illegal sanctions on Cuba,” reiterated Prof Issa Shivji, a Pan African scholar and professor at UDSM’s School of Law.
While giving his final remark, Professor Ichumbaki told the ambassador that, “as part of our commitment to fostering understanding and constructive engagement on this important issue, we will organise a dialogue that will provide an opportunity for informed discussion, reflection, and the exchange of perspectives on the challenges facing Cuba and their broader implications for international justice, sovereignty, and human dignity.”