Niger’s military government has officially declared Hausa as the country’s national language, marking a significant cultural shift. This decision was formalized in a new charter released on March 31, which was published in the government’s official journal. According to the charter, while Hausa is now recognized as the national language, English and French remain the working languages of the country.
Hausa is widely spoken across Niger, especially in the regions of Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua, with approximately 26 million people in the country, the majority of whom are fluent in Hausa. In contrast, only around 13 percent of the population, roughly three million people, speak French. This decision underscores the growing prominence of Hausa in Niger, which has long been a dominant language.
In addition to Hausa, the new charter recognizes nine other local languages, including Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic, as the spoken languages of Niger. This move also follows a national meeting held in February where the military government secured further backing. During this meeting, General Abdourahamane Tiani, the leader of the junta, was granted approval to remain in power for an additional five years.
This decision highlights a move toward reinforcing local linguistic and cultural identity in the country.