Niger Declares Hausa as New National Language in Shift from Colonial Legacy
Niger’s military government has officially designated Hausa as the nation’s new national language, marking a significant departure from its colonial history, which heavily featured French. This landmark decision was revealed in a new charter released on March 31 in a special edition of the government’s official journal.
The charter states explicitly, “The national language is Hausa,” while also recognizing English and French as the working languages of the country. Hausa is already the dominant language spoken across Niger, particularly in the regions of Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua. A substantial portion of the nation’s approximately 26 million residents are proficient in Hausa, in contrast to only about 3 million around 13 percent who can communicate in French.
In addition to Hausa, the new charter designates nine other local languages, including Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic, as recognized spoken languages in Niger.
This linguistic shift follows a national meeting held in February, during which the military government garnered further support, granting General Abdourahamane Tiani, the junta leader, an extension of his power for an additional five years. Since seizing control in a coup in July 2023, which ousted the civilian president Mohamed Bazoum, the junta has been actively severing ties with France.
Such measures have included the withdrawal of French military forces, the termination of diplomatic relations, and the renaming of streets and buildings that previously honored French figures. Alongside Niger, neighboring countries such as Mali and Burkina Faso—both of which are also under military rule and were once French colonies—are pursuing comparable actions. These nations have similarly exited the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, an organization that promotes French-speaking nations.
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