Niger Abandons French, Declares Hausa as National Tongue
The Nigerien military administration has officially designated Hausa as the nation’s primary language, moving away from the colonial legacy in which French was predominant.
The update was published on March 31 in a special release of the government’s official publication. The new directive clearly states, “The national language is Hausa,” while noting that “English and French shall serve as the working languages.”
Hausa, already the predominant language in Niger, is widely spoken across regions such as Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua. With a total population of approximately 26 million, the vast majority understand and communicate in Hausa, in contrast to roughly three million people—merely 13 percent—who speak French.
The charter also officially acknowledges nine additional indigenous languages, including Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic, as the “regional languages of Niger.”
This language policy change follows a national forum held in February, during which support for the measure was notably expressed. At that meeting, General Abdourahamane Tiani, the head of the military regime, received backing for extending his rule for an additional five years.
Since the coup in July 2023 that replaced civilian president Mohamed Bazoum, the junta has progressively severed ties with France by withdrawing French troops, terminating diplomatic relations, and renaming streets and landmarks that bore French identifiers.
Similar steps have been observed in Mali and Burkina Faso, also former French colonies with current military-led administrations. These nations have likewise withdrawn from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, a body that supports French-speaking countries.
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