In the Enchanted Land of Banjul, a Tower Was Born, Known as Arch 22, a Symbol

Long, long ago, in the heart of a land known as Gambia, a towering structure rose from the earth. This was no ordinary tower; it was Arch 22, a silent sentinel bearing witness to the tapestry of its history. In the year of 1996, Arch 22 appeared, reaching 35 meters into the heavens, a testament to the courage and determination that flowed through the veins of the people. For it was upon this very spot where the destiny of the nation was altered, as a coup d'état unfurled, overthrowing the democratically elected government of President Sir Dawda Jawara and installing Yahya Jammeh and the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council. A new chapter began for the small West African nation.

Arch 22 stands now as a constant reminder, a story forever carved in stone, a symbol of the past that invites all who pass by to pause and contemplate its meaning. It sits between the Banjul-Serrekunda Highway, Box Bar Road, Independence Drive, and Marina Parade, a proud figure with a base graced by the statue of an 'unknown soldier'. He cradles a child in one hand, and in the other, he brandishes a triumphant fist, a rifle resting on his back.

The arch itself is depicted on the back of the 100-dalasis banknote, a symbol of the forces that surged across the land. Architect Pierre Goudiaby, reputed for his architectural prowess, was the man behind the design of this marvel. He is also the creator of the Banjul International Airport and the African Renaissance Monument in Dakar, Senegal. Arch 22, standing 22 columns tall, supports the weight of the tower, a testament to the strength and resilience of the Gambian people.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons