Mali has followed in the footsteps of Burkina Faso and Niger by renaming streets and squares in its capital, Bamako, to eliminate references to French colonial names.

According to AFP, Mali has joined Burkina Faso and Niger in renaming streets and squares in its capital to remove references to their French colonial past.

A decree issued by the junta chief confirmed that streets in Bamako bearing the names of French colonial administrators have been renamed. Among the changes, Cedeao Avenue—named for the French acronym of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)—has been rechristened to honor the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a new strategic confederation formed between Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

In total, nearly 25 names have been replaced, including those of boulevards, streets, squares, and public institutions.

Niger Renames Historical Sites
Niger and Burkina Faso have already undertaken similar changes over the past two years. In October, Niger renamed several historic sites in its capital, Niamey, that previously carried references to France, its former colonial ruler.

Mali has been under military rule since consecutive coups in 2020 and 2021. Under the leadership of Colonel Assimi Goita, the country severed its long-standing ties with European partners and France, opting instead to align itself with Russia and its Wagner mercenary group for support.