Cuba has declared nine days of national mourning to mark the death of Fidel Castro, whose demise at the age of 90 has prompted emotional scenes in Havana and Miami, tributes and reflections from world leaders, and ushered the island into an uncertain era. The US president, Barack Obama – who two years ago brokered a deal to restore diplomatic ties between Washington and Havana for the first time since they were severed in 1961 – offered his condolences and said the thoughts and prayers of the US were with the Cuban people.

The US president-elect, Donald Trump, referred to Castro as a “brutal dictator” who had oppressed his people for nearly six decades. Many expect the new administration to take a more critical view of the current regime in Cuba. A renewal of sanctions is unlikely, with little support from Europe. Meanwhile, Jacob Zuma, the president of South Africa, thanked Castro for his help and support in the fight to overthrow apartheid. “President Castro identified with our struggle against apartheid. He inspired the Cuban people to join us in our own struggle against apartheid,” Zuma said in a statement.

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