The Republic of Niger has officially adopted Hausa as its national language, replacing French, in a move that signals a deeper break from its colonial past with France.
A new national charter published in a special edition of the country’s official journal on March 31, 2025, stated that “the national language is Hausa,” while English and French are now designated as working languages.
The development follows a national conference held in February 2025, which also authorised the head of the military junta, Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani, to remain in power for another five years.
Hausa is the most widely spoken language in Niger, particularly in the central-southern regions of Zinder and Maradi, and in Tahoua in the west. In contrast, French is spoken by only about 13 per cent of the population – just over three million people.
The charter further recognises nine other indigenous languages, including Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche and Arabic, as “the spoken languages of Niger”.
Since the July 2023 coup that ousted civilian president Mohamed Bazoum, Niger’s military leaders have increasingly distanced the country from France. Actions taken include expelling French troops, cutting diplomatic ties, and renaming streets and public institutions previously bearing French names.
Niger, alongside Mali and Burkina Faso – also ruled by military juntas – has withdrawn from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), a body of mainly French-speaking nations that shares similarities with the British Commonwealth.
