
Faith Nyasuguta
In a bold move to sever ties with its colonial past, Niger’s military leaders have decided to rename streets and monuments that bear French names. This decision is part of the nation’s effort to honor local heroes and cut links with the country’s former colonial power. Avenue Charles de Gaulle in the capital, Niamey, has now been renamed Avenue Djibo Bakary, in recognition of the Nigerien politician who played a key role in the country’s struggle for independence.
Similarly, Place de la Concorde will now be known as Place de l’Unité Africaine, and Rue François Mitterrand has been changed to Rue Kountche Seyni in honor of the late military leader.
Maj Col Abdramane Amadou, the junta spokesman, expressed, “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 colonization.” This renaming is a symbolic step towards reclaiming the nation’s identity and celebrating its own heroes.

The renaming initiative has sparked mixed reactions among Nigeriens. While many support the move as a reclaiming of their heritage and identity, others are concerned about the potential diplomatic fallout with France and its allies. Nonetheless, the government remains steadfast in its decision, viewing it as a necessary step in the nation’s journey towards self-reliance and pride in its own history.
Niger’s relationship with France and other Western allies deteriorated after President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted in a coup last year. Since then, Niger, along with its military-led neighbors Mali and Burkina Faso, has been forging stronger ties with Russia for military support as they face a jihadist insurgency threatening the region. The three countries have formed the Alliance of Sahel States.
Mali and Burkina Faso, like Niger, have also experienced military coups in recent years. Mali’s coup took place in 2020, Burkina Faso’s in 2022, and Niger’s in 2023. These countries have faced sanctions from regional blocs like the Economic Community of West African States for overthrowing elected civilian governments. In response, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger announced their withdrawal from the bloc, citing its failure to help them tackle the jihadist violence in their countries.
The three nations have shown a united front, standing in solidarity with each other and seeking support from Russia. They have also launched new biometric passports as part of their efforts to assert their sovereignty and independence from Western influence.

The Alliance of Sahel States, formed by Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, aims to strengthen their cooperation and mutual support in the face of regional challenges. This alliance is seen as a strategic move to counterbalance the influence of Western powers and address the security threats posed by jihadist groups in the Sahel region.
Niger’s decision to drop French place names and honor local heroes is a powerful statement of its commitment to reclaiming its identity and celebrating its own history. This move, along with the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States, highlights the determination of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to forge their own paths and address the challenges they face. As these countries continue to navigate their relationships with regional and global powers, their actions will shape the future of the Sahel region.
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