Niger Govt Establishes Initiative to Rewrite Country’s General History

The transitional government of Niger has announced an initiative to draft the General History of Niger.

The President of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) and Head of State has pledged his full support to this ambitious project, which has been envisioned for years but has never been implemented until now.

The task will be overseen by an Ad hoc Committee established by Decree No. 106 MJSC/A/S/MESR/IT/SG/DL, issued on October 3, 2024, and later amended by Decree No. 128 MJ/C/A/S/MESR/IT/SG/DL on November 8, 2024.

The committee, chaired by Emeritus Professor Maïkoréma Zakari, is tasked with drafting a comprehensive account of Niger’s historical narrative.

The initiative is seen as pivotal in consolidating the country’s identity and ensuring that its past is accurately recorded for future generations.

As part of efforts to engage stakeholders, Professor Zakari has called on rectors of public and private universities, as well as historians, archaeologists, and retired scholars, to participate actively in the project.

An information session will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2024, to provide further details about the project and encourage widespread collaboration.

The drafting of the General History of Niger is a unique opportunity to achieve something that has been a shared aspiration for years. It is a chance to document our heritage comprehensively and preserve it for future generations, said Professor Zakari in a letter addressed to university rectors.

The Ministry of Youth, Culture, Arts, and Sports, along with the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Technological Innovation, has also emphasised the importance of collective participation.

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The project is being positioned as a national priority, requiring the involvement of experts across academic disciplines.

This initiative comes amidst a transitional period in Niger, with the CNSP actively working to stabilise the nation and implement projects of national significance.

By launching this effort, Niger aims to solidify its historical identity while fostering a sense of unity among its people.

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