Askari Monument – Honoring African Soldiers in the Heart of Dar es Salaam
In the bustling heart of Dar es Salaam stands a solemn bronze statue that commands both respect and reflection. The Askari Monument serves as a tribute to the African soldiers who fought and died in World War I as part of the British Carrier Corps and King’s African Rifles. Positioned at the center of a busy roundabout along Samora Avenue, the monument has become a powerful symbol of Tanzania’s colonial past, wartime sacrifices, and national pride.
A Glimpse Into East Africa’s Colonial Military History
Unveiled in 1927, the Askari Monument replaced a statue of Germany’s founder in East Africa, signifying the shift from German to British rule after World War I. The term “askari” comes from Arabic and Swahili, meaning “soldier.” It refers to the African troops conscripted or recruited to serve in European colonial armies during both world wars.
The monument specifically honors those who fought in the British campaigns in East Africa, where African troops faced treacherous terrain, disease, and poorly supplied conditions. These soldiers, often overlooked in global history narratives, played a critical role in the Allied victory over German forces in Tanganyika.
Striking Bronze and Symbolic Stance
The statue features an African soldier in British uniform, standing tall with his rifle pointed downward, signaling the end of conflict. His posture exudes quiet strength and dignity. One foot steps slightly forward, as though moving toward peace, while his eyes gaze determinedly into the future. Around the base, inscriptions in English, Swahili, and Arabic read:
“If you fight for your country even if you die your sons will remember your name.”
This message, simple yet powerful, reflects the enduring legacy of the African troops and the importance of remembering their sacrifices.
The Monument’s Cultural and Political Legacy
More than just a war memorial, the Askari Monument has grown into a symbol of African resilience and resistance. During Tanzania’s independence movement, the statue remained untouched—perhaps because it honored African lives, not colonial rulers. Its presence in the city center ensures that generations continue to recognize the African contribution to shaping the nation.
Over the years, the monument has also become a popular meeting point and a site for commemorative ceremonies on national holidays such as Heroes Day and Remembrance Sunday.
Visiting the Askari Monument Today
The monument sits at the intersection of Samora Avenue and Maktaba Street, near the old German and British administrative buildings. Visitors often stop for photographs or to reflect on the names etched into its base. The surrounding area, with its colonial architecture, cafés, and street vendors, offers a glimpse into the layered history of Dar es Salaam.
Though it’s easy to pass by in the rush of city life, the Askari Monument rewards those who pause to absorb its deeper meaning.
A Lasting Reminder of Forgotten Heroes
The Askari Monument stands not just as a bronze figure on a pedestal, but as a voice for African soldiers whose stories were once silenced. It reminds Tanzanians and visitors alike that history is not only told through empires and generals but through the courage of individuals who carried the weight of war on their backs—and sometimes gave everything.
