Niger's capital, Niamey, has taken a significant step towards decolonization by renaming several monuments with French monikers to honor national figures. This move is part of the country's ongoing campaign to rid itself of French influence and promote national identity.

The renaming ceremony, held on a recent Sunday, saw four avenues and a square being given new names. Avenue François Mitterrand, named after the former president of France, was renamed Avenue Boubou Hama, while Avenue Jules Brevier, named after the former Minister of Colonial Affairs, became Avenue Dan Koulodo. The intersection of the streets of the Libyan and French embassies was renamed Zancen Kassa Square, and the Avenue of President Karl Casten became Avenue Morou Karma.

This is not the first time Niger's authorities have taken such a step. In October 2024, many historical landmarks with French-sounding names were renamed amid a growing anti-French campaign throughout the former colonies. The move is seen as a significant shift in Niger's stance towards its colonial past, as the country seeks to assert its independence and national pride.

Niger's history with France dates back to 1899, when the French conquest of Niger began. The French faced fierce resistance from the native populace, and it wasn't until 1922 that a permanent civilian government was established. Today, Niger is determined to control its own destiny, free from French influence.

Following the Niger coup of July 2023, the West African country began an aggressive campaign to rid itself of any French authority. This included pushing away all French military presence from its borders and closing the French embassy in its country. Niger has also expressed its intention to re-write the events of its colonial history, arguing that its history should be told from its own lens and reality.

The renaming of monuments is seen as a significant step in this direction, as Niger seeks to promote national identity and shed its colonial legacy. The move is likely to have far-reaching implications for the country's relationships with France and other former colonial powers, as well as its own sense of national identity and pride.

As Niger continues to assert its independence, it remains to be seen how this move will be received by the international community. However, one thing is clear: Niger is determined to take control of its own destiny, and the renaming of its monuments is just the beginning.