Fidel Castro, the revolutionary Cuban leader died on Friday night at the age of 90 according to an announcement made by Raul Castro, Fidel’s brother, on Cuban state television.
Fidel was one of the most well-known and controversial leaders in the world, who has survived many assassination attempts made against him. However, he spent most of his final years in relative seclusion, writing opinion pieces and occasionally attending meetings with visiting dignitaries.
He was the leader of the revolutionary movement against the US-backed dictator Fulgenico Batista in 1959. After overthrowing Batista, Fidel managed to fight the efforts of the US to remove him as the leader of Cuba – for about five decades.
In 2006, due to his long battle with ill health, he made way for his brother, Raul, to replace him as president. After outlasting nine US presidents, he witnessed and cautiously blessed the negotiations between Cuba and America for diplomatic ties, the first deal since 1961.
Later, he wrote a scathing column reminding Cubans of America’s several attempts to weaken and overthrow the Communist government and condemned Obama’s “honey-coated” words.
His death has been divisive, as was his life, with some mourning him as the fighter against imperialistic America while others celebrate the death of a cruel dictator. However, by his brother’s own admission, Fidel is irreplaceable and his passing will have a deep emotional impact on Cubans. Several Foreign heads of state, renowned artists and intellectuals are expected to be in attendance for his funeral.
