In a symbolic move to sever ties with its colonial past, Niger’s military leadership has renamed streets and monuments previously bearing French names.
This latest decision reflects the country’s ongoing efforts to distance itself from its former colonial power, France.
One of the most notable changes occurred in the capital, Niamey, where Avenue Charles de Gaulle has been renamed Avenue Djibo Bakary, in honour of the Nigerien politician who played a pivotal role in the West African nation’s independence struggle.
Junta spokesman Maj. Col. Abdramane Amadou explained the significance of the move, stating, “Most of our avenues, boulevards, and streets… bear names that are simply reminders of the suffering and bullying our people endured during the ordeal of colonisation.”
This renaming is part of broader efforts to redefine Niger’s international relations, particularly with France.
Tensions between Niger and its former colonial ruler escalated after President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted in a military coup last year. In the wake of the coup, Niger, like its neighbors Mali and Burkina Faso, has sought military support from Russia to counter the growing jihadist insurgency in the Sahel. The three countries have since formed the Alliance of Sahel States.
Under Bazoum, more than 1,500 French troops were stationed in Niger to combat jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State, but they withdrew following the coup.
A ceremony held in Niamey on Tuesday marked these renaming efforts. The ceremony also addressed a war memorial, previously dedicated to soldiers who fought in World War One and World War Two. The monument now honors “all civilian and military victims of colonisation to the present day.”
Charles de Gaulle, the former French general and leader of the Free French Forces during World War Two, was a significant figure in France’s history. African troops, many drafted from French colonies, including Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and Senegal, played a crucial role in aiding the Free French Forces. These contributions were key in helping the Allies liberate southern France from Nazi control in 1944.
In a parallel development, France itself has been reassessing its colonial history. Four years ago, the country began renaming streets and squares after African heroes from World War Two.
In Niger, other colonial-era monuments have also been reimagined. A stone monument depicting the French colonial officer and explorer Parfait-Louis Monteil has now been replaced by a portrait of Thomas Sankara, the revolutionary leader of Burkina Faso and an iconic pan-Africanist who was assassinated in 1987. Sankara was known for his staunch anti-imperialist stance and his efforts to challenge French influence across Africa.
Another notable change occurred at Niamey’s Place de La Francophonie, originally named after the association of French-speaking states. It is now called Place de l’Alliance des Etats du Sahel, reflecting Niger’s new alliance with Mali and Burkina Faso.
