Niamey – Niger’s military government announced Niger adopts Hausa as national language. This change replaces French, the language used during the colonial era. A new charter issued in late March declares Hausa the official national language. French and English will continue as “working languages.” Hausa is the most common language in Niger, understood by most of the population, unlike French. This move marks a clear separation from Niger’s colonial past.
Moving Away from French Influence
Making Hausa the national language is part of the ruling junta’s plan to reduce French influence. Since taking power in a coup, the military government has distanced itself from France. It cut diplomatic ties with Paris, removed French troops, and renamed places previously named after French figures. Niger, along with Mali and Burkina Faso, also left the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, an international group of French-speaking countries. This latest decision, where Niger adopts Hausa as national language, further shows the government’s push for national autonomy.
Recognizing Other Local Languages
The new charter also recognizes nine other local languages, calling them “the spoken languages of Niger.” These include Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic. This decision followed a national conference earlier this year. That conference also confirmed the junta’s power and allowed leader General Abdourahamane Tiani to remain in charge for several more years. Recognizing these languages respects Niger’s cultural diversity while promoting unity through the widely spoken Hausa language.
