In a significant move to distance itself from its colonial past, Niger’s military-led government has officially declared Hausa as the country’s new national language, replacing French. This decision was announced in a new charter released on March 31, 2025, and published in a special edition of the government’s official journal.
The charter specifies that “the national language is Hausa,” while designating English and French as working languages. Hausa is already the most widely spoken language in Niger, particularly prevalent in the Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua regions. The majority of Niger’s approximately 26 million citizens understand and speak Hausa, whereas only about three million people, roughly 13%, are proficient in French.
This linguistic shift is part of a broader effort by Niger’s junta to assert national sovereignty and reduce French influence following the military coup in July 2023 that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. Since then, the junta has expelled French troops, severed diplomatic ties with France, and renamed streets and buildings that previously bore French names.
The new charter also recognizes nine other local languages, including Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanché, and Arabic, as “the spoken languages of Niger.” This move aligns Niger with neighboring countries like Mali and Burkina Faso, which have also taken steps to diminish French influence and promote indigenous languages and cultures.
Observers view this development as a significant step in Niger’s journey toward reclaiming its cultural identity and reducing the remnants of colonial influence in its national affairs.