Niger Renames Streets and Monuments in Honour of her Own Heroes

Since the July 2023 coup, Niger’s military junta has steadily distanced itself from France, its former colonial ruler, while bolstering relations with fellow military-led governments in Burkina Faso and Mali. A powerful symbol of this shift occurred on October 15, 2024, when several streets and monuments in the capital, Niamey, were renamed as part of Niger’s effort to honour its own historical figures and break away from colonial influences.

Avenue Charles de Gaulle Renamed to Honor Djibo Bakary

One of the most prominent changes was the renaming of Avenue Charles de Gaulle to Avenue Djibo Bakary, a key figure in Niger’s struggle for independence. Djibo Bakary, a socialist politician who died in 1998, played a critical role in the country’s fight against French colonial rule. The renaming of this major avenue marks a clear break with France and reflects Niger’s commitment to honouring its own heroes rather than foreign figures associated with colonialism.

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Major Colonel Abdramane Amadou, the junta’s spokesman and Minister for Youth, emphasised the importance of reclaiming these spaces, stating that “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.”

Memorials Reflecting Anti-Colonial Sentiment

In addition to the renaming of streets, a war memorial dedicated to those who died in World War I and World War II has been re-dedicated to “all civilian and military victims of colonisation to the present day.” This marks a symbolic rejection of colonial narratives that previously dominated Niger’s public spaces.

The junta’s anti-colonial sentiment extends beyond renaming streets. A monument bearing the image of French colonial officer Parfait-Louis Monteil, an explorer known for his journeys through West Africa in the late 19th century, was replaced with a plaque honouring Thomas Sankara, the revolutionary leader of Burkina Faso. Sankara, known as Africa’s Che Guevara, was a staunch anti-imperialist who was assassinated in 1987, a death many blame on France’s influence in West Africa.

Strengthening Ties with Burkina Faso and Mali

As Niger moves further away from its colonial past, it is building stronger ties with its neighbours Burkina Faso and Mali, both of which are also governed by military juntas. This trilateral alliance was cemented with the creation of the Alliance of Sahel States in 2023. Reflecting this new partnership, Niamey’s Place de La Francophonie, named after the global French-speaking community, was renamed Place de l’Alliance des États du Sahel. This new confederation highlights the strategic and military cooperation between the three nations as they confront regional instability and jihadist insurgencies.

A Broader Rejection of France

Since taking power, Niger’s military rulers have expelled French troops, terminated military agreements, and ordered the French ambassador to leave the country. These moves are part of a broader rejection of France’s continued influence in the region. Niger’s coup leaders, like their counterparts in Burkina Faso and Mali, have increasingly looked toward Russia for military support, symbolising a pivot away from Western alliances.

Renaming as Part of a Wider Anti-Colonial Movement

The renaming of streets and monuments in Niger is part of a larger trend across Africa where former colonies are reassessing their colonial pasts. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to remove symbols of colonialism and replace them with local heroes who reflect national pride and anti-colonial struggles.

The junta’s decision to rename significant landmarks also mirrors changes in other former French colonies, where there has been increasing criticism of France’s post-colonial influence and its role in African politics.

Looking Ahead

As Niger continues to redefine its national identity under military rule, these symbolic gestures signal a broader realignment in its foreign policy. The shift from France to new regional and global alliances reflects the junta’s desire to assert Niger’s sovereignty and break from its colonial past. At the same time, these moves have fuelled tensions with Western nations and stirred debates about the future of French influence in West Africa.

The renaming of Niamey’s streets and monuments may be just the beginning of Niger’s re-branding effort, as the country seeks to honour its own history and move towards a future that is free from colonial legacies.