Niger’s Republic military-led government has officially declared Hausa as the country’s new national language, replacing French in a significant departure from its colonial past.
According to a new Charter published on March 31, 2025 in a special edition of the government’s official journal, “The national language is Hausa”, while “the working language are English and French”.
The Charter declares, “The National language is Hausa”, while designating English and French as “working languages”.
Hausa is the most widely spoken language in Niger, especially in the regions of Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua.
It is understood and spoken by a large portion of the country’s 26 million residents.
In contrast, French is spoken by only about 3 million people roughly 13% of population speaks French.
The Charter also recognizes nine other local languages — including Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic — as “the spoken language of Niger”.
The move follows a national conference held in February, which not only reinforced the ruling junta’s authority but also granted its leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, a mandate to remain in power for five more years.
Since taking control in a July 2023 coup that removed civilian President Mohamed Bazoum, Niger’s junta has systematically severed ties with France. Actions have included expelling French troops, cutting diplomatic relations, and renaming streets and landmarks that once bore French names.
-9News Nigeria.
