Niger renames streets, squares from French colonial era

DAKAR, Senegal

Niger replaced on Wednesday the names of streets and public squares inherited from the French colonial era with those of prominent African historical figures.

The renaming, initiated by the Ministry of Youth and Culture, saw streets and squares in the nation’s capital of Niamey given new names.

The locations had long carried names that reminded the public of the hardships and suffering endured under colonial rule, according to Youth and Culture Minister Amadou Abdourahaman.

Among the changes, a boulevard previously named after former French President Charles De Gaulle was rechristened as Djibo Bakary Boulevard in recognition of Bakary's pivotal role in Niger's independence.

In another symbolic gesture, the engraved portrait of French commander Parfait-Louis Monteil on a stone wall in Niamey was removed and replaced with the image of Thomas Sankara, the legendary revolutionary leader of Burkina Faso.

Additionally, "Francophonie Square" was renamed the “Alliance of Sahel States Square" to honor the alliance formed by Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali.

The changes follow another significant cultural shift in Niger. In June 2023, the country replaced its colonial-era national anthem, "La Nigerienne," composed in 1961 by French composer Maurice Albert Thiriet, with "For the Honor of the Homeland (Pour l'honneur de la Patrie)," which celebrates Niger's struggle against colonialism.

*Writing by Alperen Aktas from Istanbul