Niger Abandons French, Declares Hausa as Official National Language

Military Government Makes Historic Move to Embrace Indigenous Identity

In a bold departure from its colonial past, Niger’s military-led government has officially adopted Hausa as the country’s new national language, phasing out French which had long been the dominant language since the colonial era.

The change was confirmed in a new national charter released on March 31, 2025, and published in a special edition of Niger’s official government journal.

According to the document, “The national language is Hausa,” while “the working languages are English and French.”

Hausa, widely spoken across the country—particularly in Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua—is understood by a majority of Niger’s population of approximately 26 million. In contrast, French is only spoken by about three million people, representing just 13% of the populace.

Embracing Local Heritage

In addition to Hausa, the charter recognized nine other indigenous languages as “spoken languages of Niger,” including Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic.

This language policy shift aligns with the government’s broader agenda of reclaiming national identity and reducing dependence on former colonial influences.

Political Backing and Regional Trends

The announcement comes after a national dialogue held in February, where the junta, led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, secured backing to continue in power for five more years.

Since the July 2023 coup that ousted civilian president Mohamed Bazoum, Niger’s new leadership has severed several ties with France, including the expulsion of French military forces, diplomatic disengagement, and renaming of public places previously named in French.

Niger’s move echoes similar actions by fellow West African nations Mali and Burkina Faso, both also under military rule and former French colonies. These countries have likewise exited the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, a French-speaking global community akin to the Commonwealth.

A Symbolic Shift

This linguistic transition marks a significant step in Niger’s effort to redefine its national identity and assert cultural independence in the post-colonial era.

Observers say this change could influence other African nations with similar colonial histories to reconsider their own language policies.