The military government of Niger has officially adopted Hausa as the country’s new national language, marking a significant departure from its colonial past where French was prevalent.
This change was announced in a new charter released on 31 March, published in a special edition of the government’s official journal.
The charter states, “The national language is Hausa,” while also recognising English and French as the working languages. Hausa is already the most widely spoken language in Niger, particularly in the Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua regions, with the majority of the nation’s approximately 26 million population being proficient in it. In contrast, only around three million people, or 13 per cent, of the population can communicate in French.
In addition to Hausa, the new charter officially acknowledges nine other local languages, including Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic, as “the spoken languages of Niger.”
This language transition follows a national meeting held in February, during which the military government garnered additional support, and General Abdourahamane Tiani, the junta leader, received approval to extend his rule for another five years. Since the coup in July 2023 that ousted civilian president Mohamed Bazoum, the junta has been progressively severing ties with France.
These measures include the withdrawal of French troops from Niger, the cessation of diplomatic relations, and the renaming of roads and buildings that previously bore French names.
Niger’s shift mirrors actions taken by neighbouring countries such as Mali and Burkina Faso, which also have military governments and a history as French colonies. Both nations have similarly distanced themselves from France and have withdrawn from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, an entity that supports French-speaking nations.
