Niger Renames Streets and Monuments: A Move Towards Independence
Nigerian military leaders have taken a bold step towards independence by renaming streets and monuments that once bore French names. Avenue Charles de Gaulle in Niamey is now Avenue Djibo Bakary, honoring a key figure in Niger’s fight for independence.
The junta spokesman emphasized the significance of removing reminders of colonial suffering, reflecting the country’s deteriorating relationship with France after a recent coup. Niger, along with Mali and Burkina Faso, has turned to Russia for military support in the face of a growing jihadist threat.
In ceremonies marking the name changes, symbolic gestures were made, including replacing a French general’s avenue with a memorial honoring victims of colonization. The move aligns with a global trend of reassessing colonial legacies, as seen in France renaming streets after African World War Two heroes.
Furthermore, a stone monument bearing a French colonial officer’s image has been updated with a portrait of Thomas Sankara, a revolutionary leader from Burkina Faso. These changes symbolize a renewed commitment to independence and regional alliances, marking a pivotal moment in Niger’s history.
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