The Niger Republic’s military-led government has formally designated Hausa as the nation’s official language, marking a significant shift away from its colonial heritage by replacing French.
A new charter released on March 31 in a special edition of the government’s official journal states, “Hausa is the national language,” with “English and French serving as working languages.”
Hausa is the predominant language in Niger, particularly in the regions of Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua, and is comprehended by a substantial portion of the country’s 26 million residents. In contrast, only around 13 percent of the populace—roughly three million people—speak French.
The charter acknowledges nine additional local languages, such as Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic, designating them as “the spoken languages of Niger.”
This decision comes in the wake of a national conference convened in February, which not only solidified the ruling junta’s hold on power but also bestowed upon its leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, the authority to extend his tenure for another five years.
Since seizing power in a coup in July 2023 that ousted civilian president Mohamed Bazoum, Niger’s junta has methodically cut ties with France. This has involved the expulsion of French troops, the severing of diplomatic relations, and the renaming of streets and monuments that previously commemorated French heritage.
Niger’s choice signifies a larger trend observed in the region. Nearby nations such as Mali and Burkina Faso, which share a history as former French colonies governed by military regimes, have adopted comparable measures to separate themselves from France. This includes their exit from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), an entity resembling the Commonwealth.
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