Spoken by a majority of the country’s 26 million citizens—particularly in Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua—Hausa is already Niger’s most widely used language.
Niger’s military government has declared Hausa the country’s new national language, officially replacing French in a symbolic break from colonial ties.
The announcement was made via a new national charter published on March 31. It states, “The national language is Hausa,” while English and French will serve as working languages.
Spoken by a majority of the country’s 26 million citizens—particularly in Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua—Hausa is already Niger’s most widely used language.
In contrast, only about 13% of the population speaks French. The charter also recognizes nine other local languages as “spoken languages of Niger.”
The shift follows a February national dialogue that reaffirmed support for the ruling junta and extended General Abdourahamane Tiani’s rule by five years.
Since the July 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, Niger’s junta has expelled French troops, ended diplomatic ties with France, and removed colonial-era names.
Like Mali and Burkina Faso, Niger has exited the Francophonie bloc, reinforcing its post-colonial realignment.
