For decades, Senegal’s streets and landmarks have reflected a history shaped by French colonial rule, a legacy that persists more than 60 years after independence. However, that could soon change. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has announced plans to establish a government agency dedicated to renaming streets and public spaces to honor Senegalese figures. The initiative is part of a broader effort to reclaim the nation’s identity and reduce France’s lingering influence.
This move is just one of several steps Faye has taken to redefine Senegal’s relationship with its former colonizer. In December, he formally requested the withdrawal of approximately 350 French troops stationed in the country, effectively ending a long-standing defense pact. This aligns with a growing trend across West Africa, where former French colonies are pushing back against Paris, both politically and economically.
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During his campaign, Faye positioned himself as a leader committed to restoring Senegalese sovereignty. His predecessor, Macky Sall, was often criticized for prioritizing France’s interests over Senegal’s. Faye’s administration, in contrast, is signaling a clear departure from that legacy—not just through street renaming but also by revising school curricula to provide a more Senegal-centric historical narrative.
Rewriting History
For urban planners and historians, these changes are long overdue. Rakhiat Diallo Fall, a Dakar-based urban planner, believes the erasure of colonial-era names is essential to healing old wounds.
“Memory is shaped by the names of places,” Fall explained. “Seeing our streets named after those who mistreated us is an insult. We need to celebrate our own heroes.”
Senegal’s new approach mirrors a broader anti-French sentiment sweeping across Francophone Africa. In countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—where military-led governments have cut ties with Paris—France’s influence is rapidly diminishing. Critics argue that France’s control over African economies, particularly through multinational corporations like Total and the CFA franc currency, continues to hinder true independence.
Senegal’s push to reclaim its cultural and historical identity is more than symbolic; it represents a shift towards self-determination. By renaming streets and rewriting textbooks, the country is taking control of its narrative—one that acknowledges its struggles but also celebrates its resilience.
For everyday Senegalese like Seck, these changes offer hope for a future where national identity isn’t defined by colonial remnants but by the achievements of their own people.
As President Faye’s government moves forward with its plans, one thing is clear: Senegal is no longer content with being a footnote in France’s history. It is rewriting its own.
