In a departure from its colonial past, when French played a central role, the Niger military government has officially made Hausa the country's new national language.
The change was made public in a new charter that was released on March 31 and was included in a special edition of the official government journal. According to the document, “The national language is Hausa,” and “the working languages are English and French.
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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 per cent, can speak French.
Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic are among the nine additional official local languages listed in the new charter as "the spoken languages of Niger." This language switch follows a national meeting held in February.
During that event, the military government received more support and General Abdourahamane Tiani, the junta leader, was given approval 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.
Similar actions are being taken by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, all of which have military governments and were once French colonies.
They’ve also pulled out of the Organization International de la Francophonie, a group similar to the Commonwealth that supports French-speaking nations.