Amílcar Cabral, a key figure in the independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde, remembered in the celebrations of his centenary, continues to inspire generations.
João Pereira Silva, a former combatant and former Cape Verdean leader, remembers with fondness and admiration the leader who was so concerned with the formation of authentic democrats, a characteristic that, according to him, has been lost over the years.
Concern for Democratic Authenticity
João Pereira Silva, now 79, lives in his homeland, the island of Boa Vista. He reflects on Cabral's vision, noting that the leader's greatest concern was defining the qualities of a true democrat.
“Democracy is not lying to the people, it is being honest, it is working tirelessly for the population,” said Cabral, according to João.
Today, Silva laments that many leaders work only to maintain their positions and, in many cases, to enrich themselves, rather than solving the people's problems. Cabral, on the other hand, always sought solutions for the collective well-being. He had no ready-made answers, but an unwavering determination to find them.
Cabral's Influences and Strategies
João Pereira Silva shared significant moments with Amílcar Cabral in Conakry, where he was a teacher at the pilot school of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) between 1970 and 1972. He particularly remembers a conversation after they watched a Soviet film about World War II.
Cabral commented that, if he could choose without external interference, he would prefer a social democratic model like the Swedish one to the Soviet regime. This reflection, not written down anywhere, remained etched in Silva's memory, as it revealed Cabral's constant search for a model of government that best served the interests of his people.
Cabral's struggle was supported both by the Soviet Union, which supplied weapons and military training, and by Sweden, which offered non-military aid. This balance between the two Cold War superpowers illustrated Cabral's diplomatic skill in promoting the PAIGC's cause without blindly aligning himself with one bloc.
At another time, at a meeting with students in the United States, Amílcar argued that:
"It's dangerous for [a country] to depend on just one party. We need to find a way to ensure that the people truly hold power."
But unfortunately, independence would ultimately go against Cabral, and the first years were spent under single-party regimes, the PAIGC, both in Cape Verde (until 1992) and in Guinea-Bissau (1993).
The Legacy of Amílcar Cabral
Amílcar Cabral did not limit himself to armed struggle; he had a clear vision for the future of the countries he fought to liberate, seeking to ensure that future generations would be well equipped to build independent nations.
In Conakry, João Pereira Silva recalls a vocational meeting where Cabral helped guide students from the pilot school toward specialized education.
“He was very concerned about what to do after [the fight for independence], about preparing for the future.”
“Therefore, he paid special attention to the education of children in the interior, of cadres in the armed struggle, but also to training engineers, doctors and even musicians.”
Despite being a respected figure, Cabral maintained a simplicity that captivated everyone around him. He wore a suit and tie only to conferences in Europe; in Conakry, he preferred simple shirts.
This humility, combined with his generosity and attention to detail, such as the gift of a watch to a teacher who had lost his, reinforced his aura of a kind and charismatic leader.
A Leader of Non-Violent Character
For Cabral, the option for armed struggle was always a last resort. João Pereira Silva believes that it was Cabral's nonviolent nature that led to his assassination in 1973. Despite knowing of the colonial forces' plans to eliminate him, Cabral continued to travel unescorted, demonstrating his faith in the justice of his cause.
Having graduated in agronomy, like the historical leader Amílcar Cabral, the Cape Verdean ex-combatant, João Pereira Silva, would later serve as Minister of Rural Development and Fisheries of Cape Verde (1977 until 1991) and during the last six months of the first Republic he was Minister of Internal Administration, in addition.
The memory of Amílcar Cabral remains alive, especially in the year he would have turned 100 on September 12, 2024. His centenary is being celebrated with a variety of activities around the world, and the occasion is marked by an international colloquium organized by the Amílcar Cabral Foundation.
Conclusion
Amílcar Cabral celebrates 100 years of legacy, marked by the relentless pursuit of authentic democracy and the constant concern to achieve a better future for all people.
His life and work continue to inspire not only Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau, but also the rest of Africa and the world. The centenary celebrations are a testament to his lasting influence and progressive vision.
Picture: © 2022 Elton Monteiro / Lusa
