In a historic shift signaling a decisive break from its colonial legacy, Niger’s military government has officially adopted Hausa as the country’s national language, relegating French—the language of its former colonial ruler—to a secondary role. The decision, formalized in a government charter published on March 31, 2025, marks a significant step in Niger’s ongoing efforts to assert its cultural independence and redefine its national identity.
The move, announced by the ruling junta that seized power in a July 2023 coup, elevates Hausa—a language spoken by the vast majority of Niger’s 26 million people—to the forefront of official communication. French, once the dominant language of administration, education, and governance since Niger’s independence from France in 1960, has been demoted to a “working language” alongside English. The charter also recognizes nine other indigenous languages, including Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic, as “spoken languages of Niger,” reflecting the country’s rich linguistic diversity.
Hausa’s prominence in Niger is undeniable. Spoken by over 80 million people across West Africa, it serves as a linguistic bridge in the Sahel region, particularly in the bustling markets, mosques, and media of Niger’s Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua regions. While only about 13% of Nigeriens speak French—mostly urban elites with formal education—Hausa is understood and used by the overwhelming majority, making it a practical and symbolic choice for a nation seeking to prioritize its own voice.
“This is a cultural rebellion against colonial domination,” said a government spokesperson in Niamey. “Hausa is not just a language; it’s our identity, our heritage, and our future.” The decision aligns with broader anti-colonial measures taken by the junta, including the expulsion of French troops, the renaming of French-named streets, and the withdrawal from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) in March 2025, alongside fellow Sahelian nations Mali and Burkina Faso.
The shift has sparked widespread discussion both within Niger and across the region. In neighboring Nigeria, where Hausa is also widely spoken, some see it as a potential catalyst for reviving debates about indigenous language policies. Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Nigeria’s Niger State recently advocated for Hausa as a medium of instruction in schools, arguing it could boost literacy and enrollment in the north. “Niger’s move could inspire us to rethink how we value our own languages over inherited colonial systems,” said Aisha Bello, an education reformist in Kano.
Internationally, the decision has drawn mixed reactions. France, which has seen its influence in the Sahel wane amid rising anti-French sentiment and the growing presence of Russian partnerships, has yet to comment officially. Analysts suggest the downgrade of French could complicate diplomatic and economic ties with Paris, though Niger’s leadership appears unfazed, prioritizing sovereignty over historical alliances.
For many Nigeriens, the change is a source of pride. “French was never ours—it was imposed,” said Mamadou Issoufou, a trader in Maradi. “Hausa is what we live and breathe. This feels like taking our country back.”
However, challenges remain. Critics point out that while Hausa dominates daily life, French has long been entrenched in legal and bureaucratic systems, and transitioning to Hausa may require significant resources and time—particularly in a country grappling with poverty, insurgency, and political instability.
Niger’s adoption of Hausa is part of a broader regional trend. Mali and Burkina Faso, also under military rule, have taken similar steps to distance themselves from France, forging the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and strengthening ties with Russia. Together, these nations are signaling a new era in the Sahel—one that prioritizes local identity over colonial legacies.
As Niger embarks on this linguistic and cultural transformation, the world watches closely. Whether this bold move will unify the nation or expose new fault lines remains to be seen, but for now, Hausa stands as a powerful symbol of a country determined to chart its own course.
