Niger adopted Hausa as a national language, French demote

The Niger military government has taken a firm step that signifies a break from its colonial heritage, because it has officially set Hausa as a new national language in the country, effectively changing French status.

Language shift is enshrined in the newly released charter, published in a special edition of the official government journal on March 31. The document stipulates, “The national language is Hausa,” While “Working Language is English and French.”

This decision reflects the widespread use of Hausa in Niger, especially in Zinder, Maradi and Tahouua, where he functions as Lingua Franca. With a population of around 26 million, the majority of substantials understand and speak Hausa, are in contrast to the estimated three million, or 13 percent, who are proficient in French.

Further strengthens the diversity of the country’s linguistics, this new charter recognizes nine other local languages, including Zarma-Songhay, Fulu, Kanuri, Gourmermanche, and Arabic, as “Niger’s spoken language.”

Adjustment of this language policy attended the national meeting held in February, where the military government gathered significant support and Junta Leader General Abdourarane Tiani received support to extend its term of office for five additional years.

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Since winning power in the July 2023 coup which overthrowed civilian president Mohamed Bazoum, Junta has actively cut off relations with France. This includes the expulsion of French troops, terminating diplomatic relations, and changing the names of roads and buildings that previously had French names.

Niger’s actions reflect the actions of neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso, also under the military government and former French colonies, which were also withdrawn from the Internationale de la Francophonie organization, a body that promoted French-speaking countries.

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