https://en.sputniknews.africa/20241019/niamey-renames-streets-to-reclaim-identity-break-free-from-french-influence-nigerien-activist-says-1068770143.html

Niamey Renames Streets to Reclaim Identity, Break Free From French Influence, Nigerien Activist Says

Sputnik Africa

On Tuesday, Niger's capital, Niamey, saw the renaming of several historical sites, a move away from names tied to its former colonial ruler, France. 19.10.2024, Sputnik Africa

2024-10-19T15:52+0200

2024-10-21T12:29+0200

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The authorities' initiative is necessary to give space to Nigerien names and symbols, Ibrahim Namaiwa, an activist and independent consultant, explained to Sputnik Africa.The replacement of names will make it possible to honor African figures, "people who fought for the liberation of our continent," the activist emphasized.Niger is entering a new era of its sovereignty, so it would be contradictory, even paradoxical, to continue honoring heroes who are not its own, Namaiwa concluded.

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Niamey Renames Streets to Reclaim Identity, Break Free From French Influence, Nigerien Activist Says

15:52 19.10.2024 (Updated: 12:29 21.10.2024)

Niger renames its buildings, roads and monuments with African names. The country plans to remove many French colonial names. - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 19.10.2024

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On Tuesday, Niger's capital, Niamey, saw the renaming of several historical sites, a move away from names tied to its former colonial ruler, France.

The authorities' initiative is necessary to give space to Nigerien names and symbols, Ibrahim Namaiwa, an activist and independent consultant, explained to Sputnik Africa.

"There is no longer any question of continuing to keep the names of the colonists who are placed on monuments or streets that only give us painful memories of a bitter past, of colonization, of bullying, of domination of man by man, of excessive exploitation of the Nigerien man by the French man," he continued.

The replacement of names will make it possible to honor African figures, "people who fought for the liberation of our continent," the activist emphasized.

Niger is entering a new era of its sovereignty, so it would be contradictory, even paradoxical, to continue honoring heroes who are not its own, Namaiwa concluded.

A screenshot of the ceremony to rename streets and monuments named after French figures in Niamey - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 16.10.2024

Sub-Saharan Africa

'Decolonizing in Certain Way': Niger Authorities Rename Streets & Monuments Named After French

16 October, 17:25