Republic Day (Niger)

Republic Day
Fête de la République du Niger
Fête tournante du 18 décembre
Observed by Niger
Type National
Celebrations Festivals, Political addresses, Military Parade, parties.
Date 18 December
Next time 18 December 2015 (2015-12-18)
Frequency annual

December 18, 1958 is commemorated in the Republic of Niger as Republic Day, the national holiday.

Importance of date

Although not the date of formal, complete independence from France, December 18 marks the founding of the Republic and creation of the Presidency of the Republic of Niger, following the constitutional changes of the French Fifth Republic, and the elections of 4 December 1958 held across The French Colonial possessions. Nigeriens consider this date to be the founding of their national institutions. Between December 18, 1958 and August 3, 1960, Niger remained a semi-autonomous Republic within the French Community.

Commemoration

Since 1958, the 18th has been an historic anniversary, widely commemorated, but not a national festival. In 2005, the government of the Fifth Republic of Niger declared the 18th a national holiday, in conjunction with the August 3rd Independence Day.[1]

The 18th is celebrated in Niger with official festivals and appearances of political leaders, as well as public parties and festivities. It is a Public Holiday, in which government offices and many businesses close. The 50th anniversary celebrations were held in 2008, centered not in the capitol, but in the regional center of Tillabéry, and surrounded by sports, musical and arts competitions, the opening of new buildings, a National Youth Festival, and other public festivities. Since the beginning of this national festival in 2006, the official commemorations have always taken place at Regional capitals. Zinder was chosen for 2006 (the 48th anniversary) and Tahoua for 2007.[2][3] The National Youth Festival, previously held at other dates, has been tied to the new Holiday.[4]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Niger: Début des festivités marquant le 50ème anniversaire de la proclamation de la république . Xinhua News. 12 December 2008.
  2. ↑ Le saviez-vous ? LE WASSAN KARA. Le DAMAGARAM (Zinder): Mensuel d’Informations générales. N°00- Janvier 2007
  3. ↑ La transparence et la rigueur dans la gestion de l’état sont le cheval de bataille de SEM PRN Tandja Mamadou pour le bien être des nigériens. 30 décembre 2007.
  4. ↑ Commémoration du 18 décembre à Tillabéri : Sons et lumières à la cité des Maïga. Assane Soumana, Sahel Dimanche. 12 December 2008

References

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