Kodjo

Kodjo also Cojo and Codjo (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. Kodjo used to be known as a criminal. Nowadays, he is remembered as a resistance fighter.

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

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. Kodjo went up to the bedroom where he observed a child and female slave asleep. He then set fire to the laundry and curtains, and proceeded to the shop where he stole some goods. The fire quickly spread out of control, and caused the destruction of 46 houses.

Trial and execution During the interrogation, Kodjo said that he wanted to burn down the city, and dispel the whites. 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. As of 1993, there is a yearly remembrance of the event.