In a decisive break from its colonial past, Niger’s military leadership has declared Hausa the country’s official national language, sidelining French, which once held prominence. The change was formalized in a revised charter published on March 31 in a special issue of the state gazette.
The document clearly states, “The national language is Hausa,” while retaining French and English as administrative languages. Hausa is already widely spoken, especially in Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua, with a majority of Niger’s 26 million people fluent in it.
By comparison, only around 13 percent—roughly 3 million citizens—use French. Alongside Hausa, nine indigenous languages, such as Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic, have been officially acknowledged.
The language policy follows a national conference in February where the junta consolidated its authority, securing an additional five-year term for General Abdourahamane Tiani, who took charge after the July 2023 coup that removed civilian leader Mohamed Bazoum.
Since then, the regime has aggressively distanced itself from France, expelling French troops, cutting diplomatic links, and removing French names from public spaces.
Niger is not alone in this shift. Nearby Mali and Burkina Faso, also governed by military councils and former French colonies, have taken similar steps. All three nations have withdrawn from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, signaling a broader rejection of French influence in the region.
