The decision pays homage to
Mandela, who on February 11 marks 22 years since he was released from
prison, where he had spent 27 years for his struggle against the white
apartheid regime in South Africa.
The Cape Verdean government said
in the statement that Mandela was “an uncontested icon of the struggle
for freedom and dignity in Africa” who had dedicated his life to
defending these values.
“Giving Nelson Mandela’s name to
the capital’s airport is a gesture to underline the calling of a Cape
Verdean nation which is open to the world, and historically linked to
mixed-race people and dialogue between cultures.”
Praia said in the statement it
hopes the decision will encourage youths to take an interest in the
continent’s history, in particular “the fall of the abominable apartheid
regime.”
The island-nation said the decision also marked an important step in bilateral relations with South Africa.
Posted by George Bright-Abu
Source: VOA
