Niger Renames Colonial-Era Streets to Honor Local Heroes

The military-led government in Niger has replaced French street names with those of local figures as part of a broader move to sever colonial ties.

Niger's military government has renamed streets and monuments in Niamey that previously had French colonial names, reflecting a shift towards honoring local historical figures.
Avenue Charles de Gaulle has been renamed Avenue Djibo Bakary, after a key figure in Niger's independence movement.
The Place de la Francophonie is now Place de l'Alliance des États du Sahel, highlighting Niger's new alliance with Mali and Burkina Faso.
A monument to World War casualties has been rededicated to honor victims of colonization, with a new plaque featuring pan-African leader Thomas Sankara.
These changes are part of a broader effort by Niger's military regime to distance itself from France following a coup in July 2023.