Niamey: Niamey’s Monteuil Square was officially renamed Thomas Sankara Square on Tuesday in a ceremony led by Nigerien authorities. The event included the renaming of several city locations, including boulevards, avenues, streets, and squares.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the renaming ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Youth, Culture, Arts and Sports, Colonel Major Abdourahamane Amadou. The square, located opposite the central police station in Niamey, was renamed to Place Capitaine Thomas Sankara, after the former president of Burkina Faso. The minister stated that this act aims to honor Captain Sankara, often referred to as “an African Che Guevara,” whose legacy continues to inspire young people in Burkina Faso and across Africa.
This significant renaming took place on the 37th anniversary of the assassination of Sankara, marking the day when he and 12 of his companions were killed by a commando in Ouagadougou on October 15, 1987. A recent six-month trial, which concluded in April 2
022, resulted in life sentences for former President Blaise Compaoré, General Gilbert Diendiéré, and Hyacinthe Kafando for their roles in the assassination.
Additionally, during the same ceremony, Francophonie Square was renamed Alliance of Sahel States (AES) Square, further highlighting the event’s focus on regional solidarity and remembrance.