The military-led government of Niger has officially declared Hausa as the country’s new national language, marking a significant departure from its colonial past where French dominated public life and governance.
Grassroots Parrot reports that the change was formally announced in a new national charter published on March 31 in a special edition of the government’s official journal. According to the document, “The national language is Hausa,” while “the working languages are English and French.”
Hausa is already the most widely spoken language across Niger, particularly in the populous regions of Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua. With a population of around 26 million, the majority of Nigeriens understand and speak Hausa, compared to just 13 percent—around three million people—who are fluent in French.
The new charter also recognizes nine other indigenous languages—Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, Arabic, and others—as part of the country’s “spoken languages,” giving them official acknowledgment.
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This language policy shift follows a national dialogue held in February where the military government, led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, received renewed support from delegates.
During the meeting, Tiani was endorsed to remain in power for another five years, solidifying the junta’s grip on the country after seizing power in a July 2023 coup that ousted then-President Mohamed Bazoum.
Since the takeover, the junta has taken decisive steps to sever longstanding ties with France. These include the expulsion of French military forces, the closure of French diplomatic missions, and the renaming of roads and public institutions previously bearing French names.
Niger’s move mirrors actions taken by other Sahelian neighbors—Mali and Burkina Faso—also under military rule and formerly French colonies.
The three nations have not only distanced themselves from France but have also withdrawn from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, a France-led body promoting French language and culture globally.