Niger Republic has replaced French with Hausa as its official national language.
This is contained in a new charter released on March 31 and published in a special edition of the government’s official journal.
The document further stated that “The national language is Hausa,” and “the working languages are English and French.”
Hausa is the most commonly spoken language in Niger, especially in Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua.
With about 26 million people who understand and speak Hausa, only about three million people, just 13 per cent, can speak French.
The new charter also lists Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmantche, and Arabic, as “the spoken languages of Niger.”
The language switch was sequel to a national meeting held in February during which the military government received more support and General Abdourahamane Tiani, the junta leader, was given approval to stay in power for five more years.
Since assuming leadership in July 2023, Tiani has been cutting off ties with France by removing French troops, ending diplomatic ties, and changing the names of roads and buildings which had French names.
