Ethiopia

Discord over Tanzania's Nyerere statue at AU Headquarters

A statue of the late Julius Nyerere, a Tanzanian anti-colonial activist and former President, stands in front of the Political Affairs Peace and Security Building in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, following its unveiling on February 18, 2024. (Photo: X/ African Union)

By Yunis Dekow | Friday, February 23, 2024

The African Union (AU) this week bestowed this honour upon Nyerere at a ceremony led by AU Commission Chair Mousa Faki Mahammat, who expressed profound pleasure in commemorating one of Africa's most iconic figures.

Netizens have taken issue with a recently unveiled statue depicting Tanzania's founding president, Julius Nyerere, claiming it doesn't remotely resemble the Mwalimu. The sculpture was unveiled outside the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Nyerere served as the leader of what is now Tanzania from its independence in 1961 until 1985. Affectionately known as Mwalimu, a Swahili term for teacher, he was a dedicated pan-Africanist, providing support to independence fighters who opposed white minority rule in southern Africa.

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The African Union (AU) this week bestowed this honour upon Nyerere at a ceremony led by AU Commission Chair Mousa Faki Mahammat, who expressed profound pleasure in commemorating one of Africa's most iconic figures.

The Political Affairs Peace and Security Building in Addis Ababa was also named after him.

African Union Commission chair Moussa Faki Mahamat addresses leaders during the unveiling of the Julius Nyerere statue (Photo: African Union)

Mahamat stated that Nyerere, a Tanzanian anti-colonial fighter who served as President from 1964 to 1985, left an indelible legacy and that his commitment to Pan-Africanism, profound insight, and dedicated service will always be valuable to the continent.

He also noted Nyerere's pivotal role in establishing the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, describing it as a milestone in the pursuit of African unity.

Dr. Walter Mzembi said the statue of Julius Nyerere at the AU headquarters is disappointing.

“The AU's tribute to Julius Nyerere is well-intentioned, but the statue seems to miss capturing the essence of Mwalimu,” he said.

“We hope future monuments prioritise accuracy to preserve our history,” he added.

“Bad work. Can’t the head be removed and redone?” Wondered another angry netizen, Kato Mpanga.

Siaya Governor James Orengo said the statue doesn't look like Mwalimu and that it wouldn't be right to let it stay.

“Nyerere was everywhere working for Africa and the world and a familiar face in many fora. His image appears in many publications of repute even today,” he said on his X(Twitter) account.

Nyerere became the third leader to receive the honour of a statue outside the AU headquarters, following in the footsteps of Ghana's founding father and pan-Africanist Kwame Nkrumah.

African leaders witness the unveiling of the statue of the late Julius Nyerere in front of the Political Affairs Peace and Security Building in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on February 18, 2024. (Photo: X/ African Union)

The first statue at the AU commemorated Ethiopia's emperor Haile Selassie, recognised for his symbolic role in African nationalism, resisting Italy's attempts to colonise Ethiopia in the 1930s and later agreeing to host the OAU.

Leaders from the two-day 37th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly, which closed on Sunday, were in attendance at the ceremony honouring the late Tanzanian leader. They included Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Kenyan President William Ruto, and Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Elias Magosi.