The military government of Niger Republic has officially declared Hausa as the country’s new national language, marking a significant shift away from its colonial legacy where French played a central role.
The decision was revealed in a new national charter released on March 31 and published in a special edition of the government’s official journal.
According to the document:
“The national language is Hausa,”
“The working languages are English and French.”
Hausa is already the most widely spoken language across Niger, particularly in the Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua regions. With a population of about 26 million people, the majority understand and speak Hausa, whereas only about three million (13%) can speak French.
The new charter also recognizes nine other indigenous languages—Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, Arabic, among others—as “the spoken languages of Niger.”
This language policy shift comes after a national meeting in February where the military regime received broader support. During that event, the junta leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, was granted approval to remain in power for five more years.
Since seizing power in a July 2023 coup that ousted civilian president Mohamed Bazoum, Niger’s junta has been systematically cutting ties with France. These actions include: expelling French troops, severing diplomatic relations with France and renaming structures previously named in French.
Niger’s move mirrors similar steps taken by neighboring countries like Mali and Burkina Faso—former French colonies now also under military rule.
These countries have withdrawn from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, an international body supporting French-speaking nations, much like the Commonwealth does for English-speaking countries.
