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.