Colonial-Era Street and Square Names Altered in Niger
The Ministry of Youth and Culture in Niger has made a significant decision to rename streets and squares in the capital city of Niamey. Minister Amadou Abdourahaman announced that the move was aimed at removing names that evoke painful memories of the country’s colonial past.
One of the key changes made was the renaming of the boulevard that was previously named after former French President Charles De Gaulle. The boulevard is now known as “Djibo Bakary”, in honor of a figure who played a pivotal role in Niger’s independence. Additionally, a portrait of French commander Parfait-Louis Monteil in Niamey was replaced with the image of Burkina Faso’s revered leader Thomas Sankara.
Furthermore, the name of “Francophonie Square” was changed to “Sahel States Alliance Square”, reflecting the collaboration between Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali. In a symbolic move, the national anthem of Niger was also replaced with a new anthem titled “For the Honor of the Homeland”, which highlights the country’s struggle against colonialism.
These changes mark a significant step towards reclaiming the country’s identity and honoring those who fought for its independence. The renaming of streets and squares in Niamey is a powerful symbol of Niger’s commitment to acknowledging its history and moving towards a more inclusive and representative future.
