General Abdourahamane Tiani
Source: Africa Publicity
Niger’s military-led government has officially declared Hausa as the country’s new national language, marking a significant break from its colonial history.
According to a new charter published on March 31 in a special edition of the government’s official journal, “The national language is Hausa,” while “the working languages are English and French”.
Hausa is the most widely spoken language in Niger, particularly prevalent in the regions of Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua. It’s understood and spoken by a large portion of the population in the country of 26 million. In contrast, French is spoken by only about 13% of Nigeriens — roughly three million people.
The charter also recognizes nine other local languages as “the spoken languages of Niger”, including:
– *Local Languages*
– *Zarma-Songhay*
– *Fula*
– *Kanuri*
– *Gourmanche*
– *Arabic*
This move follows a national conference held in February, which reinforced the ruling junta’s authority and granted its leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, a mandate to remain in power for five more years. Since seizing power in a July 2023 coup that ousted civilian president Mohamed Bazoum, Niger’s junta has systematically severed ties with France, including:
– *Cutting Diplomatic Ties*: Expelling French troops and severing diplomatic relations
– *Renaming Landmarks*: Renaming streets and landmarks that once carried French names
Niger’s decision reflects a broader regional trend, with neighboring countries like Mali and Burkina Faso, also former French colonies with military regimes, taking similar steps to distance themselves from France ¹ ².
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