André Blaise Essama, the man that destroys Colonial Rulers Statues and Erects Cameroonian Heros. Is it really worth it?
André Blaise Essama is a Cameroonian activist on a mission to remove statues and monuments glorifying figures from Cameroon's colonial past and erecting statues of Cameroonian heros whose legacy lives on.
His actions have generated controversy among people in his country and beyond. However, this act is solely to see his country's public spaces celebrate Cameroonian heroes instead of colonial figures.
Summary
- André Blaise Essama is a Cameroonian activist known for his controversial actions of removing colonial statues and erecting monuments honoring Cameroonian heroes.
- His Hoo Haa initiative aims to replace symbols of colonial oppression with those celebrating figures like Ruben Um Nyobè among others .
- Essama's efforts have ignited crucial discussions among people.
- Supported by dedicated advocates, he remains committed to reshaping public spaces irrespective of hurdeles faced.
André Blaise Essama's Fight
Essama has taken a strict approach to challenging the glorification of colonialism in his country.
His methods are both confrontational and symbolic, involving the public humiliation of statues depicting figures associated with the oppression of indigenous peoples.
One particular target of Essama's activism is the statue of General Leclerc. Leclerc, a French military leader, is a controversial figure in Martinique, a French Caribbean island. Essama has targeted the statue of General Leclerc over twenty times by toppling, flogging, and beheading.
Essama's reasoning is not far-fetched, these statues serve to celebrate a brutal colonial past, and their continued presence normalizes the violence inflicted upon colonized people.
Essama and the Hoo Haa Initiative
The Cameroonian artist Essama has taken a powerful stance, not only of destruction, but of creation. His initiative, Hoo Haa, focuses on replacing these symbols of the past with statues that celebrate true African heroes.
Hoo Haa artists have already crafted over 30 statues, each one a tribute to a legendary figure from Cameroon and beyond. Essama envisions these sculptures not just as artistic creations, but as educational tools, sparking conversations about African history and inspiring future generations.
Part of this replacement include:
- Ruben Um Nyobè: A prominent figure in Cameroon's fight for independence, Um Nyobè's statue would serve as a reminder of the nation's struggle for self-determination.
- Rudolf Douala Manga Bell: A powerful king who resisted German colonization, Douala Manga Bell's inclusion would honor his fight against oppression.
- Princess Diana: Known for her advocacy against landmines and her work with HIV/AIDS patients, Princess Diana's statue would represent a global figure who championed humanitarian causes and stood against racism.
Hoo Haa's mission goes beyond aesthetics. It's about reclaiming narratives, fostering pride, and ensuring that the heroes who shaped Cameroon and Africa are celebrated in the public sphere.
Legal Battles and Public Perception of André Blaise Essama
Essama's path hasn't been without its bumps. His artistic expression has landed him in legal hot water on several occasions. Arrests, fines, and even some jail time for vandalism charges have been a part of his story.
Initially, the public viewed Essama as an eccentric character, a harmless oddball whose antics were more of a nuisance than a threat. However, as his stunts became bolder and the damage more costly, this perception began to shift. Some saw him as a defiant rebel, while others found his methods destructive and disrespectful.
Through it all, Essama hasn't been alone. A dedicated group of supporters has stood by him. They've helped crowdfund fines, raise awareness for his cause, and advocate for leniency in the courts. Their constant belief in his acts and his right to express it has been a crucial factor in keeping him afloat.
Conclusion
André Blaise Essama's relentless campaign against the honor and praises of colonialism in Cameroon has been applauded by many and talked down by few. By toppling statues of colonial figures and replacing them with those of Cameroonian heroes.
His Hoo Haa initiative not only honors the legacies of indigenous leaders like Ruben Um Nyobè and Rudolf Douala Manga Bell but also broadens the scope of recognition to global figures such as Princess Diana, emphasizing a universal fight against oppression and injustice.