Hausa Becomes Niger’s National Language Amid Shift from French

The military-led government of Niger Republic has officially declared Hausa as the country’s national language, replacing French in a significant departure from its colonial past.

According to a new charter published on March 31 in a special edition of the government’s official journal, “The national language is Hausa,” while “the working languages are English and French.”

Hausa is the most widely spoken language in Niger, especially in the regions of Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua. It is understood and spoken by a large portion of the country’s 26 million citizens. In contrast, French is spoken by only about 13 percent of the population—approximately three million people.

The charter also recognizes nine other local languages—including Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic—as “the spoken languages of Niger.”

This move follows a national conference held in February, which not only reinforced the ruling junta’s authority but also granted its leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, a mandate to remain in power for five more years.

Since taking control in a July 2023 coup that removed civilian president Mohamed Bazoum, Niger’s junta has systematically severed ties with France. Actions have included expelling French troops, cutting diplomatic relations, and renaming streets and landmarks that once bore French names.

Niger’s decision reflects a broader regional trend. Neighbouring countries like Mali and Burkina Faso—also former French colonies with military regimes—have taken similar steps to distance themselves from France, including withdrawing from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), a body akin to the Commonwealth.