Thaindian News

By Meena Kar
Dakar, Apr 4, (THAINDIAN NEWS) On Saturday, the Republic of Senegal’s Monument of African Renaissance statue was unveiled by the President Abdoulaye Wade. Marking the 50 years of independence of Senegal, President Abdoulaye Wade reportedly mentioned to the media that he hopes that the statue will become a famous tourist destination. The president has also mentioned that Africa of 21st century is strong and tall which can take its destiny in its own hand. The statue was inaugurated by the President amidst drummers and dancers.

The statue shows a woman along with man and a child emerging from a volcano. It is located on a hill top that overlooks Dakar, the capital of Senegal. This statue is 49 meters high and is taller than the famous Statue of Liberty. It has reportedly cost the nation 17 million pounds. The building of the bronze statue has faced many criticisms and protests from all over the nation. Many feel that the statue is a sheer waste of money, an extravaganza on the part of the President. There are still many parts of Dakar that suffers every year from flood and regular power crisis. According to protesters, the President should have spent the money to solve these problems rather than on the statue, which according to them is a mere vanity.

The Monument of African Renaissance statue has also been criticized by the Imams who have reportedly condemned the statue as idol worshiping. Protests also were made by people who protested the dress which the woman in the statue is shown wearing. The woman in the statue is made to wear a thigh length hemline skirt.