- Niger officially makes Hausa the national language, moving away from French
- The move follows a national meeting where General Abdourahamane Tiani received approval to extend his rule
- While Hausa is the national language, English and French remain the working languages
Niger’s military government has officially adopted Hausa as the country's national language, moving away from its colonial legacy where French was predominant.
The decision was outlined in a new charter, released on March 31, and published in a special edition of the official government journal.
The charter declares Hausa as the national language of Niger, while English and French remain the working languages.
Hausa is already widely spoken across the country, particularly in regions like Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua.
About 26 million people reside in Niger, with the majority understanding and speaking Hausa.
In contrast, only around three million people, or approximately 13% of the population, speak French.
In addition to Hausa, the charter recognises nine other local languages, including Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic, as the country’s spoken languages.
The shift in language comes after a national meeting in February, where the military government, under General Abdourahamane Tiani, garnered significant support, with the junta leader being approved to remain in power for another five years.
Since the coup in July 2023, which ousted civilian president Mohamed Bazoum, the military government has been severing ties with France.
These actions have included expelling French troops from the country, cutting diplomatic relations, and renaming roads and buildings that once bore French names.
Niger is following the example of its neighbors, Mali and Burkina Faso, which also have military governments and were former French colonies.
Both countries have taken similar steps to distance themselves from France, including withdrawing from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, a group that supports French-speaking nations.
Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger impose 0.5% levy on goods from Nigeria, others
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the military governments of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger imposed a 0.5 percent levy on imported goods from Nigeria and other Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member nations.
The decision, announced in an official statement signed by the three states, aims to fund their newly established economic and security alliance.