Niger’s Military Junta Declares Hausa Official Language

The military government in Niger has officially declared Hausa as the country’s national language, marking a historic shift from the colonial legacy of French dominance.

The announcement came through a new national charter published in a special edition of the government’s official journal on March 31. According to the charter, “The national language is Hausa,” while also stating that “the working languages are English and French.”

Hausa is already the most widely spoken language in Niger, especially across regions such as Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua. With a population of approximately 26 million, a significant majority understand and speak Hausa. In contrast, only about three million people—roughly 13 percent—are French speakers.

The new charter also recognizes nine other local languages, including Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic, describing them as “the spoken languages of Niger.”

The decision to prioritize Hausa follows a national consultation in February that strengthened the military government’s legitimacy.

During the meeting, General Abdourahamane Tiani, who has led the country since the July 2023 coup that ousted civilian President Mohamed Bazoum, was given a green light to remain in power for an additional five years.

Since the coup, Niger’s junta has taken deliberate steps to sever ties with France. These include expelling French troops, cutting diplomatic relations, and renaming streets and public buildings that once bore French names.

Niger now joins fellow former French colonies, Mali and Burkina Faso, in redefining their national identities. All three nations, now under military rule, have also withdrawn from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, a body that promotes French language and culture globally.

The adoption of Hausa as the national language represents a bold cultural reorientation, symbolizing Niger’s ongoing efforts to assert sovereignty and reclaim indigenous identity in governance and communication.

The post Niger’s Military Junta Declares Hausa Official Language appeared first on Kano Times.