Like Niger, Senegal Launches Initiative to Rename French Colonial Streets

Senegal’s President, Bassirou Faye, has launched an initiative to replace colonial-era street names with those of national heroes and significant historical events.

The initiative, announced during a cabinet meeting, seeks to foster national identity and celebrate Senegal’s cultural heritage. Faye stressed the importance of educating young people about their history and honouring influential figures and milestones.

The programme will involve collaboration among the Prime Minister, local authorities, and the Ministers of Culture and Local Government.

It also includes plans to update school textbooks and create a National Council for Memory and Historical Heritage Management.

The initiative, in addition to renaming streets, is expected to enhance cultural pride, attract tourism, and boost Senegal’s cultural and creative industries.

This development comes shortly after Senegal announced the termination of French military presence on their soil. In an interview with Le Monde, Faye questioned the presence of 350 French soldiers in Senegal, stating that it “does not align with [the] idea of sovereignty and independence.”

The move to rename colonial-era streets follows similar action by the military government in Niger. It will be recalled that on October 16, the Niger government led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani announced that it was renaming streets, avenues and other historic places that bear references to its French colonial past. Niger is also one of five countries that ended its military ties with France.

This move by the West African country further severs ties with its former colonial master, France.

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