Controversy in Dakar

“Africa’s latest lavish expression of presidential ego at the expense of the people” (Guardian.co.uk) is causing quite a stir. The ordinary citizens believe it adds insult to injury; government officials claim it’s a profitable investment which will bring additional revenue to the country; and the country’s president claims “intellectual rights” and believes he’s entitled to 35% of any revenues it brings.

The statue, located in the capital city of Dakar, is reported to be well placed, as tourists traveling from the airport toward the downtown and beach areas will have a great view. However, on the other side of the monument, people live in squalor, having to endure the stench of omnipresent rubbish piles and indignity of unfinished buildings.  In a country whose economy is spiraling downward, whose citizens are struggling to survive, it should stand to reason that the $27 million could be spent on more humanitarian concerns. However, the grand statue appears to be nothing more than another gesture of grandiosity by a African ruler.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Into Dakar: Inside the tourist’s frame mind (gadling.com)
• Into Dakar: Flirting with the dark continent (gadling.com)
• Rwanda becomes top global reformer for making business easier (one.org)
• AP Exclusive: UN leader cites rules on Madagascar (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
• Opportunity International Banking on Africa Campaign (slideshare.net)