The celebration commemorates the establishment of Niger's initial self-governing administration under French Community rule. The establishment of complete independence followed this milestone when Niger gained full sovereignty in 1960. The Nigerians celebrate their Republic Day through the national holiday of Proclamation de la République du Niger. The entire nation observes this holiday through military parades and cultural exhibitions and official ceremonies. The capital city of Niamey and other major urban areas host military processions and traditional shows and speeches which honor the republic founders and strengthen national unity. The people of Niger honor their path to independence through Republic Day celebrations.
The establishment of Republic Day occurred during the late 1950s when France introduced constitutional changes that transformed its relationship with African territories under colonial rule. The Fifth French Republic under Charles de Gaulle established a system which allowed African territories to choose between immediate independence or self-rule within the new French Community framework. The people of Niger decided to pursue independence which brought an end to colonial rule after many years of foreign domination.
The people of Niger elected their leaders through democratic processes which resulted in Niger becoming a self-governing state within the French Community on December 4, 1958. The Republic of Niger received its official declaration of independence on December 18, 1958. The provisional administration of Niger received its first leader when Hamani Diori took charge as the founder of the Nigerien Progressive Party. Through his leadership Diori established the foundation which would lead to Niger's independence.
The people of Niger elected Hamani Diori as their first president on August 3, 1960 when France fully released Niger from its control. The day of December 18 marked the first time Nigerians took control of their political destiny.
