The military government of Niger Republic has officially replaced French with Hausa as the country’s national language, marking a significant shift from its colonial heritage.
The announcement was contained in a new national charter issued on March 31 and published in a special edition of the government’s official newspaper.
According to the document, “The national language is Hausa, and the working languages are English and French.”
Hausa, already the most widely spoken language in Niger — particularly in the Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua regions — is understood by the majority of the country’s estimated 26 million people.
In contrast, only about 13 per cent of the population, roughly three million people, speak French.
The declaration comes amid sweeping changes by the junta led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, who seized power in July 2023 after ousting the elected president, Mohamed Bazoum.
Since taking over, the military government has cut ties with France, ordering the withdrawal of French troops, ending diplomatic relations, and renaming streets and public structures previously named in French.
Niger now joins neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso — also under military rule — in taking steps to sever links with their former colonial ruler, France.
The junta also recently received approval to extend its transitional rule for another five years.
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