Concord Day
Concord Day is a holiday observed annually in Niger on the 24th of April each year. This holiday commemorates the anniversary of the signing of the April 24 Peace Accord that took place between Niger and the Organization of Armed Resistance in 1995.
Niger (Public holiday)The signing of it marked the end of the 1990 Rebellion carried out by the Toubou, Tuareg, and a few other communities. This day is celebrated with various cultural engagements throughout the country, as well as speeches by the President of Niger and other political leaders.
The History of Concord Day
In Niger, the ’90s was a time of great political upheaval. Not only did the country see its first multi-party democracy, but there were also rebellions by the Tuareg and Toubou peoples. Two organizations arose from these conflicts: the first was the Organization of Armed Resistance, and the second was the Coordinated Armed Resistance.
In 1994, a truce was signed, and this eventually led to the signing of the April 24, 1995, Peace Accord that was negotiated in the capital of Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou. Although a few armed conflicts still arose from time to time until 1999, the accord was seen as the end of the rebellion and the fighting.
On September 25, 2000, a final peace agreement was reached, and weapons were burned during the “Flame of Peace” ceremony. That day is also celebrated as a public holiday in Niger.
Observing Concord Day
Since Concord Day is a public holiday in Niger, many businesses and all government offices are closed on this day. Transportation services are also on a reduced schedule.
People also spend this holiday engaging in street parties, cultural events, and educational exhibits. It’s a day to celebrate tolerance across cultures and the idea of social justice in a very diverse nation.
Niger (Public holiday)
