IDNN WORLD REPORT – NIGER REPUBLIC ADOPTS HAUSA AS OFFICIAL LANGUAGE, SHIFTS FROM FRENCH LEGACY
By IDNN International Desk | April 2025
NIGER REPUBLIC ADOPTS HAUSA IN SWEEPING NATIONAL LANGUAGE SHIFT
The Niger Republic adopts Hausa as its new official language, making a historic break from its colonial past. The government announced this change through a charter dated March 31, signaling the military regime’s push to redefine national identity through language and culture.
“The national language is Hausa,” the charter declares, while noting that English and French will serve as working languages moving forward.
For decades, French served as the country’s official language. However, Hausa has long been the most widely spoken language, especially in regions such as Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua.
HAUSA DOMINANCE REFLECTED IN LANGUAGE POLICY
Of Niger’s 26 million people, roughly 87% speak Hausa, while only around 13% (3 million) communicate fluently in French. The shift, therefore, reflects a linguistic reality already present across the country.
In addition to Hausa, the charter also recognizes Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic as “spoken languages of Niger.”
“This is a strategic assertion of self-definition, not just a language reform,” said a cultural analyst based in Niamey.
EXIT FROM FRANCOPHONIE SIGNALS POLITICAL DIRECTION
As the Niger Republic adopts Hausa, the government also formally exited the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie—a group of French-speaking nations and former colonies. This dual move further illustrates Niger’s commitment to distancing itself from French influence.
The government’s decisions are part of a broader pattern seen in the Sahel, where countries are asserting more autonomy.
MACRON CRITICIZES AFRICAN LEADERS OVER LANGUAGE SPLIT
French President Emmanuel Macron responded to Niger’s policy change with sharp rhetoric.
“Ungratefulness is a disease that cannot be transmitted to men,” Macron said. “None of them would be sovereign countries today if the French army hadn’t been deployed.”
“We came at their request. But when their goals changed, our place was no longer needed,” he added.
Macron’s comments underscore growing tensions between France and its former African partners.
POST-COLONIAL REPOSITIONING: LANGUAGE AS LIBERATION
Niger’s decision echoes similar actions taken by Mali and Burkina Faso, both of which have reduced ties with French institutions. Observers believe these moves represent a coordinated shift across the region.
“When the Niger Republic adopts Hausa, it’s more than language—it’s a national reset,” said a linguistics professor in West Africa.
For many in Niger, this change affirms indigenous culture and promotes linguistic inclusivity in national governance.
