Dakar’s Monument of the African Renaissance Nears Completion Amidst Controversy

01 October 2009

The 160 foot (50 metre) bronze statue “The Monument of the African Renaissance” is nearing completion in Dakar but there are mixed views as to whether the £17 million bill is justified. The 160-foot statue stands on top of a 330-foot hill producing a dramatic sight for tourists and it is hoped inspiration for locals. President Abdoulaye Wade has compared the work to the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty but has received criticism after claiming he is entitled to 35% of tourist revenues because he owns the intellectual rights.

The monument is due to be completed in December and whilst the government are hoping it will attract tourists and create additional revenue for the country, critics say the money would have been better spent helping the country’s poor. The monument has a top-floor viewing platform giving a view over the city of Dakar as well as an exhibition, conference rooms and shops and a theatre nearby, created in the hope of attracting large numbers of tourists. You can read more from both sides of the debate at http://www.necn.com or http://www.guardian.co.uk