Place du Souvenir

Place du Souvenir is a monument in Cotonou's Haie Vive district featuring three concrete statues of two men and a woman holding weapons and the national flag. The site sits at the intersection of Route 390 and Airport Road and includes a vehicle tunnel underneath as well as an underground gallery space.

The monument was built following an armed attack on the city in 1977 that claimed the lives of several defenders. It was officially opened two years later in 1979 to preserve this event within the nation's collective memory.

This location hosts national commemorative events and military ceremonies that mark important moments in the country's history. The underground gallery regularly displays works by local artists, making it a space where public memory and contemporary creativity meet.

The site is easily accessible throughout the day and sits near restaurants and local amenities. Visitors should note that the main plaza is for foot traffic, while the vehicle tunnel serves the road network passing underneath.

The monument was designed and built by North Korean architects, making it a remarkable example of international collaboration. This unexpected architectural connection reveals global ties that shaped the country's history.