Niger: Decolonization of history, when the state wants to officialize the authentic version of events
On November 1, 2024, the President of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), Brigadier General Abdourahamane Tiani, signed a decree establishing an ad hoc committee tasked with writing the general history of Niger. The committee, chaired by Professor Maikoréma Zakari, includes prominent academics and also opens its doors to other experienced historians and researchers from the country.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to correct the biased version of history inherited from the colonial era and provide Niger with a historical account based on its own perspective. “Until the lions have their own historians, the stories of the hunt will continue to glorify the hunter”, an African proverb that perfectly illustrates the necessity of rewriting history from a local perspective.
For decades, many African nations have had to settle for historiographies dominated by colonial narratives, often designed to serve the interests of the colonizers. These accounts frequently overlook local resistances, iconic historical figures, and the richness of precolonial civilizations. Through this initiative, Niger aims to reclaim its past and highlight its forgotten heroes.
Concrete actions have already been taken, notably in Niamey. Several streets and monuments have been renamed to honor African historical figures. For example, Montreuil Square has been renamed Thomas Sankara Square, in tribute to the former Burkinabé president and symbol of the fight against imperialism. Similarly, the former Town Hall Square is now called Djibo Bakary Square, honoring a prominent trade unionist and politician.
By giving history an African dimension, Niger seeks to strengthen its national identity, inspire its citizens, and restore the truth about lesser-known aspects of its heritage. This approach is intended to serve as a model for other African countries, which would benefit from rewriting their history—not to erase the colonial past but to lessen its hegemonic influence in collective memories.
