Previously, French had served as the central and official language of the nation.
The military government of Niger has continued its efforts to cut ties with France.
In its latest move, it has officially designated Hausa as the country’s new national language.
Previously, French had served as the central and official language of the nation.
This new development was announced in a charter released on March 31 and published in a special edition of the government’s official journal.
According to the document, “The national language is Hausa,” while “the working languages are English and French.”
Before this announcement, Hausa was already widely spoken in Niger, particularly in regions such as Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua.
Out of the country’s estimated population of 26 million, the vast majority speak and understand Hausa.
In contrast, only around three million people— roughly 13 percent — can speak French.
The new charter also recognises nine other local languages, including Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic, as “spoken languages of Niger.”
Additionally, the government has withdrawn from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, a group similar to the Commonwealth that supports French-speaking nations.
In January, French President Emmanuel Macron criticised African leaders for what he described as a lack of gratitude.
Speaking about developments in the region, Macron said: “We had a relationship based on security — it was twofold. On one hand, it was our commitment to fighting terrorism since 2013. We were right, though I think someone forgot to say thank you. It’s okay, it will come with time.
“Ungratefulness, I know too well, is a disease that cannot be transmitted to men. But I say this for all African heads of state who have lacked courage in the face of public opinion.”
“None of them would be sovereign countries today if the French army hadn’t been deployed in the region. My heart goes out to all our soldiers, some of whom have given their lives and fought for years.”
“We did the right thing. We left because there were coups. We were there at the request of sovereign states who asked France to come.”
“From the moment there were coups and the people stated their objectives no longer involved fighting terrorism — or were unclear— France no longer had a place there.”
It’s worth recalling that in December 2023, Niger Republic officially expelled French troops from the country.
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