Mali has renamed streets and public squares in its capital, Bamako, to eliminate references to its colonial past, following similar moves by fellow junta-led nations Burkina Faso and Niger.
According to a decree issued by junta leader Colonel Assimi Goita, nearly 25 street names, boulevards, and public establishments that honoured French colonial administrators have been changed. One notable change is the renaming of Cedeao Avenue, previously referencing ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States), to the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) Avenue, reflecting Mali’s new strategic confederation with Burkina Faso and Niger.
This decision mirrors recent actions by Niger and Burkina Faso, where street and monument names tied to France have been replaced. In October, Niger renamed several historic sites in its capital, Niamey, distancing itself from its former colonial ruler.
Since the 2020 and 2021 coups, Mali’s junta government has shifted away from its long-standing partnership with France, instead seeking closer ties with Russia and employing the Wagner mercenary group for security support.
