On March 31, 2025, Niger Republic’s military government made a landmark decision to replace French with Hausa as the country’s new official language. This dramatic shift signifies a major departure from the country’s colonial ties, where French had remained the dominant language of communication, governance, and education since the country gained independence in 1960.
The change was outlined in a newly released national charter, which confirmed that Hausa would now serve as the national language, while English and French would be designated as working languages. This move is in line with the government’s broader efforts to assert national identity and reduce reliance on the colonial language, which has been a point of contention for many Nigeriens.
Hausa, already the most widely spoken language in Niger, has long been the linguistic backbone of the country’s diverse population. With over 26 million people, a vast majority of Nigeriens—especially those in the Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua regions—speak or understand Hausa. French, on the other hand, is spoken by only a small fraction of the population, with just about 13%—or around 3 million—fluent in the language.
The charter further recognizes the country’s linguistic diversity by listing other indigenous languages, such as Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic, as the spoken languages of Niger. This inclusion reflects a national commitment to honoring the country’s cultural and linguistic heritage, offering a platform for broader representation in governmental and educational spaces.
While the change may take time to fully implement, it is clear that the government’s decision represents a significant step toward decolonization. The move not only empowers the majority Hausa-speaking population but also sends a message about the sovereignty of Niger’s linguistic landscape, breaking away from the lingering influence of its former colonial power.
The transition to Hausa as the official language also opens doors to greater national unity. By embracing a language spoken by nearly the entire population, the government seeks to promote inclusivity and accessibility in both public and private sectors. As the country moves away from French, it may also see a rise in local content creation, including media, literature, and education, all conducted in Hausa, thereby strengthening its cultural roots.
This historic decision by the military government in Niger comes at a time when several African nations are reevaluating their post-colonial ties. Niger’s move to prioritize indigenous languages speaks to a larger continent-wide trend of reclaiming cultural and national identities from the remnants of colonial rule.
