I've never had a first impression of a country quite like when I arrived in Senegal. Towering over the capital city of Dakar is the African Renaissance Monument, a 160-foot statue depicting a man rising triumphantly from a volcano with his outstretched arms wrapped around his wife and child. The monument, designed by a Senegalese artist but constructed by North Korean workers, is a symbol of Africa's rise from centuries of intolerance and racism. It is set to be officially dedicated on December 12. Apparently, I got to Senegal a month too soon.
Like the Statue of Liberty and the Washington Monument, this bronze statue is sure to serve as a regular background in photos of smiling tourists for decades to come. The site has exhibition, multimedia, and conference rooms, and a top-floor viewing platform. And since Dakar is the westernmost point of Africa, it's only a 7.5-hour plane ride from Washington D.C. now that South African Airways flies directly there.
But there is criticism. Some Senegalese have complained of its communist-era design. Muslims, who make up the vast majority of Senegal's population, take issue because of Islamic prohibitions on representations of the human form. Others say that the £17 million ($28 million) could have been used for more important things, like helping the poor. Worst of all, Senegal's president, Abdoulaye Wade, insists that he deserves 35 percent of tourist revenue it brings in due to "intellectual rights." Oh, and Senegal doesn't have a volcano.
The critics make good points, but what's done is done and come December 12, tourists and residents alike will have the world's latest and well-meaning statue to admire. And with a new airport on the way, along with the potential for South Africa-to-U.S. visitors dropping by, Senegal and its residents should benefit from this new addition to the Dakar cityscape for years to come.
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Of course, there is a delicious irony in the building by North Koreans of a monument meant to depict an escape from slavery and obscurantism. Whatever President Wade's shortcomings, it is difficult to object to the intended symbolism of this project. Africa (and much of the rest of the world) could do with more of this principle and less bigotry.
Posted by: Paul Nash | April 03, 2010 at 03:49 AM
The statue is magnificent. How well judged not to have included weapons or specific cultural symbols. Islamic objectors may like to refect on their personal use of cameras, televisions and photographs in other media. But of course the fuss in cases like this is about whipping up support and leading opposition, not the welfare of ordinary people.
Perhaps the woman should have been placed aongside the man. It's hard to believe that President Wade would claim some income from it.
With regard to the financial aspect, I suspect that it will prove to have been a good investment, and if not, there are many worse financial abuses in Africa that could be mentioned and that continue without any result except a life of luxury for a few and misery for the many.
Posted by: Paul Nash | April 03, 2010 at 03:27 AM