Trained as an agronomist at Portuguese universities, Cabral chose this field after experiencing devastating famines in Cabo Verde during his adolescence. His work as an agricultural census-taker and consultant for the Portuguese colonial regime provided him deep insight into the living conditions of his compatriots.
Instead of pursuing a lucrative career as a colonial engineer, Cabral dedicated his life to his people’s liberation and the fight against capitalist and imperialist domination.
On the centenary day, a public celebration took place in Praia, featuring diplomats and cultural performances highlighting Cabo Verde’s African traditions. This was an opportunity for many to revisit Cabral’s work and thought. His contributions to agronomy, culture, philosophy, political economy, military strategy, and history are subjects of deep reflection.
A symbol of the struggles for the political, social, and cultural liberation of societies and peoples still oppressed and neo-colonized. The struggles led by Cabral and the PAIGC remain highly relevant today.
The increasing brutality of Western imperialism in the 21st century calls for a return to Cabral’s ideas to chart a path forward. The centenary serves as a moment for reflection and debate on the best way to commemorate Cabral, linked to the fight for a more just world.
Pedro Pires summarized Cabral’s importance: “Amílcar Cabral is universally recognized as a thinker, theorist, strategist, and symbol of the struggles for the political, social, and cultural liberation of societies and peoples still oppressed and neo-colonized.”
Centenary celebrations included recent translations of his work, cultural festivities in Guinea-Bissau and Cabo Verde, and international symposiums.
Cabral Ka Mori! Cabral Lives!