With the countries motto stating “One People, One Goal, One Faith” it is no surprise that Senegal is home to the magnificent African Renaissance Monument.
The tallest statue on the continent, the monument was designed by Senegalese architect Pierre Goudiaby and commissioned as a prestige project by their then president, Abdoulaye Wade.
Towering over the city of Dakar, the 52m monument overlooks the ocean as if signaling to those overseas that Africa is entering a new era; in the words of former president Wade, “Africa has arrived in the 21st century standing tall and more ready than ever to take its destiny into its hands”.
Not free of controversy, the monument has attracted thousands of tourists, but also much criticism.
Built with the assistance of a North Korean firm, critics claim that the monument is sexist and the scantily-clad figures are said to be insulting the local conservative Muslims.
Built with the assistance of a North Korean firm, critics claim that the monument is sexist and the scantily-clad figures are said to be insulting the local conservative Muslims.
Taller than The Statue of Liberty, it is no surprise that this impressive monument has sparked debate. However, regardless of your take on the debate, the £17 million monument is undeniably impressive.
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