Kodjo (slave)

Kodjo also Cojo^[1] and Codjo^[2] (1800s – died 26 January 1833) was a Surinamese slave. On 26 January 1833, he was burnt alive for starting the 1832 fire in Paramaribo which caused the destruction of 46 houses.^[3][4] Kodjo used to be known as a criminal. Nowadays, he is remembered as a resistance fighter.^[1]

Kodjo
Drawing of Kodjo (1833)
Born	1800s Surinam
Died	26 January 1833 Paramaribo, Suriname
Other names	Cojo, Codjo, Andries
Occupation	Slave

Biography

Kodjo was born on a Monday, and therefore named Kodjo. He was a slave of D.M. Sanches,^[5] but seconded to Mrs. Smith who ran an inn in Paramaribo. Smith called him Andries, and was known for her cruelty.^[6] In July 1832, Kodjo had sold bread in the street. Upon his return, Smith counted the money, and discovered that 2½ cents were missing.^[7][8]

Kodjo ran away, and found refuge in Picornobosch in Kwatta near Paramaribo.^[9] In the forest, he banded together with Mentor, Present, and other slaves who had also escaped.^[10] The group occasionally went to the city to steal and rob supplies.^[11]

Fire

On the night of 3 on 4 September 1832, Kodjo and his group, went to the house of Mozes Nunes Monsanto whom Kodjo knew well. After sneaking in, they proceeded to steal food from the kitchen.^[12] Kodjo went up to the bedroom where he observed a child and female slave asleep.^[13] He then set fire to the laundry and curtains, and proceeded to the shop where he stole some goods.^[14] The fire quickly spread out of control, and caused the destruction of 46 houses.^[4]

Present and Mentor were first arrested in connection with the arson.^[15] Kodjo and the others were arrested on 3 October.^[16] They were detained in Fort Zeelandia. Kodjo attempted to escape on 11 December 1832, but was apprehended by citizens and returned to the fort.^[17]

Trial and execution

During the interrogation, Kodjo said that he wanted to burn down the city, and dispel the whites.^[18] On 10 January 1833, the slaves were charged with rebellion, and arson. Kodjo, Mentor and Present were found guilty of arson and rebellion, and sentenced to be burnt at the stake.^[17] Winst and Tom were only found guilty of rebellion, and therefore, sentenced to be hung.^[17] Four other run away slaves, were sentenced to 15 years hard labour.^[19] The execution would take place at the remains of the house of Monsanto.^[20] When Kodjo heard the sentence, he shouted: "Da ston srefi moesoe broko" (The stones must be broken), and smashed his handcuffs against the stone windowsill.^[17] On 26 January 1833, the execution was carried out.^[17] Kodjo was about 30 years old.^[6]

Aftermath

Memorial for Kodjo, Mentor and Present

Kodjo has been recognized as a resistance fighter.^[21] As of 1993, there is a yearly remembrance of the event.^[1] On 26 January 2000, the square near the former house of Monsanto was renamed Kodjo, Mentor en Present Pren,^[8] and Erwin de Vries was commissioned to build a monument for Kodjo, Mentor and Present.^[22]