The National Day of Niger is on the 18th December (Republic Day, autonomous state within the French Community 1958). It is the anniversary of Niger’s independence from France in 1960 (National Day of France). See the history on the country as well as its independence day.
National Day of Niger
Niger is a landlocked country in West Africa, bordered by seven other countries: Algeria (National Day of Algeria), Libya (National Day of Libya), Chad (National Day of Chad), Nigeria (National Day of Nigeria), Benin (National Day of Benin), Burkina Faso (National Day of Burkina Faso), and Mali (National Day of Mali).
Likewise Hamani Diori was Niger’s first president from 1960 until 1974. He was a key figure in the push for independence and was a founding member of the Nigerien Progressive Party (PPN). Diori was a proponent of African unity and played a role in the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU).
There was also Djibo Bakary who was active in the Nigerien independence movement. He was a co-founder of the Nigerien Party for Autonomy (PNA).
Likewise Issoufou Saïdou Djermakoye was a leader of the Nigerien Democratic Union (UDN). He played a key role in the negotiations for Niger’s independence and later served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Niger’s first government.
Public Holidays in Niger
Some of the major public holidays in Niger include:
- New Year’s Day – January 1st
- Labor Day – May 1st
- Republic Day – December 18th
- Christmas Day – December 25th
In addition to these national holidays, there are also several Islamic holidays celebrated throughout Niger, as the majority of the population is Muslim. These holidays include:
- Eid al-Fitr – the end of Ramadan (dates vary based on the Islamic calendar)
- Eid al-Adha – the Feast of Sacrifice (dates vary based on the Islamic calendar)
- Mawlid an-Nabi – the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (dates vary based on the Islamic calendar)
Note that the dates of these Islamic holidays vary each year.
