Senegal's $27m monument - higher than the Statue of Liberty

DAKAR - Senegal

The 49m (160ft) Monument of African Renaissance has been unveiled in Dakar as the highlight of the nation's 50th anniversary of independence.

Some scholars have labelled its scantily clad figures un-Islamic, while others said it was a waste of money.

Supporters say it represents Africa's rise from "intolerance and racism".

The Soviet-style bronze statue, built by North Korean workers, is the idea of President Abdoulaye Wade.

It depicts three figures - a man holding a woman behind him and a child aloft, pointing out to sea.

Mr Wade also attracted fierce criticism for saying he should take 35% of the revenue generated by the monument because it was his idea.

source: news.bbc.co.uk