In a bold move symbolizing its break from colonial ties, Niger’s ruling junta has officially declared Hausa as the country’s national language, replacing French. The change was outlined in a new national charter published on March 31, marking a significant shift in the nation’s linguistic and political landscape.
While French will remain a working language alongside English, the charter emphasizes the primacy of Hausa — the most widely spoken language among Niger’s 26 million citizens, particularly in the central-southern regions of Zinder, Maradi, and parts of the west such as Tahoua.
Only about 13 percent of Niger’s population speaks French, a legacy of its colonial past. The charter also recognizes nine other indigenous languages — including Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic — as the spoken languages of Niger.
The language change follows a series of anti-French actions taken by the junta since the military ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023. These measures have included expelling French troops, renaming streets and monuments with French names, and withdrawing from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), alongside Mali and Burkina Faso.
The new language policy is part of a broader outcome from a national conference held in February, which also granted General Abdourahamane Tiani the authority to remain in power for up to five more years.
This latest development further cements Niger’s pivot away from France and deepens the junta’s grip on power while promoting indigenous identity and linguistic heritage.
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