The Martyrs Bridge of Bamako, Mali connects the older sections of the city to its suburbs on the south shore of the Niger River. One of three road bridges across the Niger at Bamako, it is also known as the "Old Bridge". Opened in 1957 when Mali was under French colonial rule, it was renamed the Martyrs Bridge in 1991 following the deaths of protesters against the rule of Moussa Traoré. Martyrs Bridge connects two of the main avenues of the city. Avenue Fleuve, a broad boulevard enclosing the Square Lamumba which runs north towards the Presidential palace. From the south of the bridge runs Avenue de l'Unite Africain, the major route from the city centre south to Bamako-Senou Airport.