Niger’s military leaders have renamed streets and monuments bearing French names, in the latest move to cut links with the country’s former colonial power.

For example, Avenue Charles de Gaulle in the capital Niamey, is now Avenue Djibo Bakary, in honour of the Nigerien politician who played a key role in the West African country’s struggle for independence. 

Niger’s relationship with France and other Western allies deteriorated after President Mohamed Bazoumwas ousted in a coup last year.

During the ceremony held in Niamey to mark the various name changes, junta spokesman Maj Col Abdramane Amadou, said most of its “avenues, boulevards and streets… bear names that are simply reminders of the suffering and bullying its people endured during the ordeal of colonization”.