Wednesday, April 9, 2025 - Niger’s military-led government has officially declared Hausa as the country’s new 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, cut diplomatic
relations, and renaming streets and landmarks that once bore French names.
0 Comments