* General Abdourahamane Tiani (2nd L), the head of the military regime in Niger, greets the thousands of people who gathered at the largest stadium in Niamey for the launch of festivities marking the first anniversary of his coming to power after the July 26, 2023 coup that overthrew civilian president Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, 204. – (Photo by BOUREIMA HAMA / AFP)
By Pathfinder Reporter
Thursday April 10, 2025
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Niger’s military government has officially made Hausa the country’s new national language, moving away from its colonial past where French played a central role.
The change was announced in a new charter released on March 31, published in a special edition of the government’s official journal.
According to the document, “The national language is Hausa,” and “the working languages are English and French.”
Hausa is already the most commonly spoken language across Niger, especially in the Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua regions.
Most of the country’s population of about 26 million people understand and speak Hausa. In comparison, only around three million people, just 13 percent, can speak French.
The new charter also officially lists nine other local languages, including Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic, as “the spoken languages of Niger.”
During that event, the military government received more support, and General Abdourahamane Tiani, the junta leader, was approved to stay in power for five more years.
Since taking over in a coup in July 2023, which removed the country’s civilian president, Mohamed Bazoum, the junta has been cutting off ties with France.
These actions include removing French troops from the country, ending diplomatic relations, and changing the names of roads and buildings that used to carry French names.
Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, which also have military governments and used to be French colonies, are taking similar steps.
They’ve also pulled out of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, a group similar to the Commonwealth that supports French-speaking nations.
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