【Japan Archives】

Fidel Castro died at age 90,Japan Archives his brother Raul Castro announced late Friday. Rebel leader and former president of Cuba, Castro was an antagonist of at least 10 American presidents and a staunch socialist until his death.

Fighting the dictator Fulgencio Batista, Castro and his soldiers swept into Havana on Jan. 8, 1959.

Although his promise of liberation and equality was greeted across central and southern America, Castro held thousands of political prisoners and kept a tight grip on his people. Many fled to the U.S. in the following decades.

His impact remains controversial, and the reactions of political figures across the world has reflected that legacy.

Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, who represents southern Florida, a region with many Cuban exiles, tweeted that the moment must be seized to "help write a new chapter in the history of Cuba."

We must seize the moment and help write a new chapter in the history of #Cuba; that of a Cuba that is free, democratic, and prosperous.

— Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (@RosLehtinen) November 26, 2016

"A tyrant is dead and a new beginning can dawn on the last remaining communist bastion of the Western hemisphere," she said in a statement. "The message is now very clear to those who think they will continue to misrule Cuba through oppression and fear. Enough is enough."

Cuban writer and activist Yoani Sánchez tweeted a bittersweet sentiment: "My mother grew up under Fidel Castro, I was born under Fidel Castro... my son was born under Fidel Castro, my grandchildren will be born without Fidel Castro."

#Cuba Mi madre creció bajo Fidel Castro, yo nací bajo Fidel Castro… mi hijo nació bajo Fidel Castro, mis nietos nacerán sin Fidel Castro

— Yoani Sánchez (@yoanisanchez) November 26, 2016

She also tweeted that in a few hours, she would see her first sunrise without the Cuban leader.

#Cuba Faltan varias horas para el primer amanecer sin Fidel Castro que he vivido en mi vida... pic.twitter.com/AM7nXiWFBc

— Yoani Sánchez (@yoanisanchez) November 26, 2016

Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India offered his condolences and called Castro "one of the most iconic personalities of the 20th century."

I extend my deepest condolences to the Government & people of Cuba on the sad demise of Fidel Castro. May his soul rest in peace.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 26, 2016

Fidel Castro was one of the most iconic personalities of the 20th century. India mourns the loss of a great friend.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 26, 2016

For others, Castro symbolised defiance in the face of Western oppression. In a Twitter tribute, prominent Pakistani politician Imran Khan lauded Castro's legacy as a fighter for his people.

2. Castro reasserted the Cuban nation's dignity & self worth that withstood US aggression & became a global ldr for anti colonial struggles

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) November 26, 2016

Many political leaders in central and southern America praised Castro.

Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto tweeted that Castro was a friend of Mexico, who promoted a relationship based on "respect, dialogue and solidarity."

Fidel Castro fue un amigo de México, promotor de una relación bilateral basada en el respeto, el diálogo y la solidaridad.

— Enrique Peña Nieto (@EPN) November 26, 2016

Rafael Correa, president of Ecuador, wrote, "He was a great one. Fidel is dead. Long live Cuba! Long live Latin America!

Se fue un grande. Murió Fidel.
¡Viva Cuba! ¡Viva América Latina!

— Rafael Correa (@MashiRafael) November 26, 2016

The embattled president of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro, meanwhile, called to "all the revolutionaries of the world."

"We have to continue his legacy and his flag of independence, of socialism, of homeland."

A tod@s l@s Revolucionari@s del Mundo nos toca seguir con su Legado y su Bandera de Independencia,de Socialismo,de Patria Humana...

— Nicolás Maduro (@NicolasMaduro) November 26, 2016

This story is developing.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.