Between 18 December 1958 and 3 August 1960, Niger remained a semi-autonomous Republic within the French Community.
In 2005, the government of the Fifth Republic of Niger declared the 18th a national holiday, in conjunction with the 3 August Independence Day.
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 construction and 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.
[2][3] The National Youth Festival, previously held at other dates, has been tied to the new Holiday.