Niger’s military government has officially designated Hausa as the country’s new national language, moving away from its colonial legacy where French was predominant.
This change was announced in a new charter released on March 31, published in a special edition of the government’s official journal. The document states, “The national language is Hausa,” while “the working languages are English and French.”
Hausa is already the most widely spoken language in Niger, particularly in the Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua regions. Approximately 26 million people reside in Niger, and most of them understand and speak Hausa, while only around three million people, or just 13 percent, can speak French.
The new charter also officially recognises nine other local languages, including Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic, as “the spoken languages of Niger.”
During the announcement, the military government garnered additional support, and General Abdourahamane Tiani, the junta leader, received approval to remain in power for another five years.
Since taking control in a coup in July 2023, which ousted the civilian president, Mohamed Bazoum, the junta has been severing ties with France. This includes withdrawing French troops from the country, ending diplomatic relations, and renaming roads and buildings that previously bore French names.
Similar to Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, both of which also have military governments and were formerly French colonies, are taking comparable actions. They have also withdrawn from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, an association that supports French-speaking nations, akin to the Commonwealth.
Leave a Reply