Niger drops French, makes Hausa its main language
Niger has adopted Hausa as its national language, replacing French.
The military-led government made the new rule official on March 31 through a special edition of the government’s official journal, local news sources report.
“The national language is Hausa,” parts of the document said, while French and English will still be used as working languages.
Hausa is the most widely spoken language in Niger. Many people in the country, especially in places like Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua, speak and understand it.
Niger has a population of about 26 million, and most of them speak Hausa daily compared to the about three million people who speak French.
The decision comes after a national meeting was held in February. That meeting also gave the head of the military government, General Abdourahamane Tiani, the power to stay in charge for the next five years.
This move is part of a series of actions by the current leaders since they took power in July 2023.
Back then, the army removed elected president Mohamed Bazoum. Since then, Niger has cut ties with France, asked French soldiers to leave, and changed the names of streets and buildings that were linked to France.
Niger is now following a similar path as Mali and Burkina Faso. These neighbouring countries have also removed French influence from their systems and left the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, which promotes the French language and culture.
The government also announced that nine other local languages, such as Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic, will be officially recognised as languages spoken by the people of Niger.
One local teacher, Amina Garba, said, “For the first time, many of us feel like our voices truly matter. Our language is finally being respected.”
