Nigerien Republic Day
Celebrated annually on December 18th, Republic Day is a Nigerian holiday that commemorates the founding of the Republic of Niger in 1958. Although this holiday isn’t celebrated on the date when Niger received its independence from France, it is celebrated on the day that marks the founding of the republic and the date on which the Presidency of the Republic was created.
Niger (Public holiday)Because of this and other events that occurred, December 18th is the date that Nigeriens consider as the date of when their republic was founded. It’s a day that’s marked with political speeches, parades, parties, festivals, and other celebratory events.
The History of Republic Day in Niger
Niger is a landlocked African country that was a colony of France in various forms from 1900 through 1960. In 1958, constitutional changes were the result of the establishment of the 5th French Republic, and this would lead to elections being held in Niger and other French colonial territories.
On December 4, 1958, Niger would become a self-governing autonomous nation under French rule, and on December 18, 1958, the country would officially become the Republic of Niger when Hamani Diori became the president of Niger’s provisional government. It wouldn’t be until 1960 that Niger would receive its full independence from France, however. December 18th has been observed as an official holiday in Niger since 2005.
Observing Republic Day in Niger
Since this is a national holiday, many businesses, government offices, and schools are closed on this day. This is a holiday in which people can expect to see military parades, festivals, and parties all over the country, and other celebratory events.
It’s also a day when politicians and government officials give speeches to the general public. People who want to spread the word about this holiday can do so using the hashtag #RepublicDayNiger on their social media accounts.
Niger (Public holiday)
