General Leopoldo Cintra Frías, former minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) of Cuba and known as Polo, reappeared publicly in Namibia, where he was received by members of the solidarity movement with the island amid a national fundraising campaign to send humanitarian aid to the Caribbean nation.
The meeting was documented over the weekend by NBC Digital News, from the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation, whose publication was later shared on Facebook by the Cuban Embassy in Namibia, providing institutional support to the information.
According to the Namibian media, attendees gathered to meet the former Cuban military chief, who played a prominent role in military operations in Angola during the 1980s, particularly in the context of the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale, regarded as a decisive event in the process that led to Namibia's independence.
The delegation also visited the Heroes' Acre monument, dedicated to Namibia's national heroes, where they laid a floral tribute in honor of those who died during the struggle for independence.
The event was led by Namibian representatives of the solidarity movement with Cuba, including Helmut Angula, president of the organizing committee for the campaign, who reiterated his country's support for the island and its opposition to the economic embargo imposed by the United States.
Angula stated that Namibia's economic constraints should not prevent its citizens from contributing to help Cuba, in recognition of the support that Fidel Castro's government provided to the liberation movements of Southern Africa.
So far, no details have been disclosed regarding the specific reason for Cintra Frías' trip, the duration of her stay, or whether she has a schedule of meetings with Namibian government officials.
A public appearance after more than a year
Cintra Frías's presence in Namibia draws attention due to her limited documented public appearances since she stepped down from her position in the FAR in April 2021.
One of the last occasions he was seen publicly and received coverage from the international press took place on May 29, 2025, when the President of Angola, João Lourenço, awarded him in Luanda with the Commemorative Medal of the 50th Anniversary of National Independence, in the Independence category.
The distinction recognized his participation in the Cuban military operations carried out in Angolan territory during the war.
After receiving the medal, Cintra Frías stated to the Angolan agency ANGOP that she was experiencing feelings of both joy and sadness, as the tribute also reminded her of the fallen comrades during the conflict.
That ceremony, held about 16 and a half months ago, is the most recent in-person appearance that CiberCuba was able to confirm before the current meeting in Namibia.
The general held the Ministry of the Armed Forces from 2011 until April 2021, when he was succeeded by Álvaro López Miera, by decision of the Council of State, at the proposal of Raúl Castro and Miguel Díaz-Canel.
Namibia raises millions to send medicine and solar equipment to Cuba
The visit of the former Cuban minister coincides with a solidarity campaign that has managed to mobilize resources from institutions, companies, and Namibian citizens to support Cuba amid the economic, health, and energy crisis facing the island.
According to a recent report from NBC, the initiative has managed to raise three million Namibian dollars, primarily intended for the purchase of medical supplies and solar energy systems for Cuban health centers.
The organizers noted that in August, they had already purchased medical supplies worth 650,000 Namibian dollars, which are expected to arrive in Cuba in December.
However, they still need an additional 3.6 million Namibian dollars to acquire and transport the projected solar equipment.
The campaign, launched in April by solidarity organizations, will continue in November with new activities to raise funds and collect outstanding donation commitments.
One of its most significant moments occurred on September 16, when Prime Minister Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare hosted a fundraising gala in Windhoek, featuring the participation of Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and representatives from state institutions and businesses.
According to the newspaper The Namibian, during that event, contributions and commitments were announced totaling over 2.6 million Namibian dollars.
Among the participants were public companies and former Namibian students trained in Cuba.
The campaign also includes cultural initiatives. From October 26 to 30, the exhibition Art for Cuba will be held in Windhoek, a cultural initiative aimed at raising 100,000 Namibian dollars through the sale of artworks and other activities. A portion of the proceeds will be allocated to the solidarity campaign with Cuba.
A former minister of the FAR designated by the United States
Cintra Frías's career has also been marked by accusations from Washington regarding the actions of Cuban military forces in Venezuela.
On January 2, 2020, when he was still in charge of the FAR, the U.S. State Department announced his public designation due to his alleged command responsibility in serious human rights violations.
The measure, announced by then Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, imposed entry restrictions to the United States against the general and two of his sons.
Washington held the Ministry of the FAR responsible for participating, along with Venezuelan military and intelligence agencies, in abuses against opponents of Nicolás Maduro's government, including acts of torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
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