In a landmark move aimed at redefining national identity and cultural sovereignty, the Republic of Niger has declared Hausa its official national language, shifting away from the long-standing dominance of French rooted in its colonial history.
The decision was outlined in a newly issued national charter dated March 31, and published in a special edition of the government’s official journal. The document states, “The national language is Hausa,” while French and English will now serve as the country’s working languages for official communication.
Hausa, widely spoken across West Africa, is already the most prevalent language in Niger, particularly in the regions of Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua. Estimates suggest that the majority of Niger’s approximately 26 million citizens speak Hausa fluently. In contrast, French — the language introduced during colonial rule — is spoken by only about 13 percent of the population, or roughly three million people.
In addition to Hausa, the new charter acknowledges nine other indigenous languages as “spoken languages of Niger.” These include Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic, reflecting the country’s rich linguistic diversity.
The language policy shift follows a major national dialogue held in February, where the military government, which came to power in a July 2023 coup, received broad support from civic and political groups. General Abdourahamane Tiani, head of the ruling junta, was subsequently granted a mandate to remain in office for up to five more years.
Since taking control, the junta has steadily moved to reduce France’s influence in Niger’s affairs. Notable actions have included the withdrawal of French military forces, the termination of diplomatic relations with France, and the renaming of infrastructure previously bearing French titles.
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This bold linguistic and political pivot places Niger in alignment with neighboring countries like Mali and Burkina Faso, which have also seen military governments rise to power and have taken similar steps to cut colonial-era ties. All three nations have now exited the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, an alliance that promotes cooperation among French-speaking countries.
By making Hausa the national language, Niger signals a broader intent to embrace indigenous identity, and assert greater autonomy in shaping its cultural and political future.
If you recall, Niger is one of the ECOWAS countries that left the bloc this year, a move that intensified regional tensions and further underscored its shift toward independent governance
