1927 bronze memorial to the African soldiers and carriers of the First World War East African campaign, with bilingual inscriptions on the plinth.
The Askari Monument stands on a roundabout at the junction of Samora Avenue and Maktaba and Azikiwe Streets in central Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. It was unveiled in 1927 under British administration to commemorate the African soldiers, known as askari, and the carriers who served in the First World War East African campaign. Fighting between German and British-led forces in the territory lasted throughout the war, and large numbers of African troops and porters died from combat, disease and hardship.
The memorial is a bronze figure of an askari soldier in uniform, holding a rifle with fixed bayonet, mounted on a stone plinth. The figure is oriented along Samora Avenue, the main commercial street of the city centre, and the roundabout setting means it is usually seen from the surrounding traffic as much as at close range. Bilingual inscriptions on the plinth, in English and Swahili, honour the African troops and carriers, and are the principal text available to visitors.
There is no museum or curatorial programme attached to the monument; its interpretation relies on the sculpture and inscriptions. A study of the monument alongside the Dar es Salaam War Cemetery gives a fuller picture of how the First World War is commemorated in the city, since the cemetery records mainly the dead who were buried individually and the monument honours the wider African contribution.
The bronze and plinth have remained in place since the 1920s and continue to be a recognised city landmark, often used as a reference point in directions. Entry is unrestricted, as the monument is on a public street and open at all hours. Visitors should take care when crossing the roundabout, where traffic is busy, and are best placed to view it from the pedestrian areas on the adjacent pavements. It is a short walk from the Clock Tower and the central business district, and works well as a brief stop on a downtown historical walk.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Address | Roundabout at Samora Avenue and Maktaba Street / Azikiwe Street, Dar es Salaam |
Why it matters
Unveiled in 1927, the monument commemorates the African soldiers and carriers who served in the First World War East African campaign, whose losses far exceeded those of European troops and were long overlooked.
Location
Roundabout at Samora Avenue and Maktaba Street / Azikiwe Street, Dar es Salaam
-6.8166, 39.2895 View on map
Highlights
- Bronze askari soldier with rifle and fixed bayonet, unveiled 1927
- English and Swahili inscriptions on the plinth
- Central roundabout on Samora Avenue
- Commemoration of First World War African soldiers and carriers
Tips for visiting
- Read both inscriptions on the plinth; the English and Swahili texts are the main interpretation.
- View from the pavement and use designated crossings, as the roundabout is busy.
- Visit in daylight, when photography and security are most comfortable.
- Walk on to the Clock Tower and the central business district afterwards.
When to visit
Mid-morning on weekdays avoids early rush-hour traffic and gives clear light for photography.
Accessibility
The monument is on a public street and can be seen from the pavement; crossing the roundabout requires care, and kerbs may be uneven.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Askari Monument commemorate?
It commemorates the African soldiers and carriers who served in the First World War East African campaign. It was unveiled in 1927.
Is there an admission fee?
No. The monument is on a public roundabout and can be viewed free at any hour.
How long does a visit take?
Ten to fifteen minutes is enough to read the inscriptions and photograph the sculpture.