Niger’s military government has officially adopted Hausa as the country’s national language, marking a significant departure from its colonial history, in which French was the dominant language.
The change was announced in a new charter issued on March 31 and published in a special edition of the government’s official journal.
The document stated, “The national language is Hausa,” while designating English and French as the country’s working languages.
Hausa, the most widely spoken language in Niger, is especially prevalent in the regions of Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua.
The majority of the population—approximately 26 million people—speak or understand Hausa. In contrast, only about three million people, or roughly 13 percent, are fluent in French.
In addition to the national language change, the charter recognizes nine other local languages, including Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic, as “spoken languages of Niger.”
This language policy shift follows a national meeting in February, where the military government garnered additional support.
During the meeting, General Abdourahamane Tiani, the leader of the junta, received approval to remain in power for an additional five years.
Since the military coup in July 2023, which ousted the civilian president Mohamed Bazoum, the junta has increasingly distanced itself from France.
This has involved a series of actions such as the withdrawal of French troops, the severing of diplomatic relations with France, and the renaming of streets and buildings that once carried French names.
Niger joins other countries in the Sahel region, including Mali and Burkina Faso, which have also adopted similar measures under their military governments.
These nations, former French colonies, have all withdrawn from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, an international body that promotes the French language and cultural ties among French-speaking countries.
