Niger Declares Hausa as National Language, Marking Break from French Colonial Legacy

By Adamu Aliyu Aliyu/ABUJA//

The military government in Niger has officially declared Hausa as the country’s national language, signaling a historic departure from the long-standing dominance of French.

The announcement was made through a new national charter published in a special edition of the government’s official journal on March 31. The charter states, “The national language is Hausa,” while designating English and French as the country’s working languages.

Hausa is already the most widely spoken language in Niger, particularly in regions such as Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua. With a population of approximately 26 million, the majority of Nigeriens speak and understand Hausa, while only about three million, roughly 13 percent are French speakers.

In addition to Hausa, the charter recognizes nine other local languages, including Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic, referring to them as “the spoken languages of Niger.”

The decision to elevate Hausa followed a national consultation in February that bolstered the military government’s legitimacy. During the consultation, General Abdourahamane Tiani who seized power in a July 2023 coup that ousted civilian President Mohamed Bazoum was granted a mandate to remain in power for another five years.

Since the coup, Niger’s junta has taken steps to distance the country from its former colonial ruler, France. These measures include expelling French troops, cutting diplomatic ties, and renaming public spaces previously named after French figures.

Niger now joins fellow former French colonies Mali and Burkina Faso also under military rule in redefining national identity. All three nations have withdrawn from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, which promotes the French language and culture globally.

The adoption of Hausa as Niger’s national language marks a bold cultural shift and reflects the country’s broader efforts to assert sovereignty and embrace indigenous identity in governance and national discourse.