Niger’s military-led government has officially adopted Hausa as the country’s national language, replacing French in a bold break from its colonial past.
A new charter, published on March 31 in a special edition of the government’s official journal, declares, “The national language is Hausa,” while noting that “the working languages are English and French.”
Hausa is the most widely spoken language in Niger, particularly in the regions of Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua, and is understood by a large portion of the country’s 26 million citizens. In comparison, French is spoken by only about 13 percent of the population, or roughly three million people.
The charter also recognizes nine other local languages—Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic— as “the spoken languages of Niger.”
This change follows a national conference held in February, which not only solidified the ruling junta’s authority but also granted its leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, a five-year mandate to remain in power.
Since taking control in a coup in July 2023 that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, Niger’s junta has been distancing itself from France. This includes expelling French troops, severing diplomatic ties, and renaming streets and landmarks once named after French figures.
Niger’s move is part of a larger trend in the region. Neighboring countries like Mali and Burkina Faso, also former French colonies under military rule, have taken similar steps to detach from France, including withdrawing from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), an organization similar to the Commonwealth.
