Niger Embraces Change: Hausa Becomes Official Language, Replacing French

Published

5 days ago

10/04/2025

In an important move to gain its cultural identity, Niger’s military-led government has announced the adoption of Hausa as the nation’s official language, replacing French.

This decision which was announced in a new charter released on march 31, is a big change in how Niger sees language and politics. The government said it’s important to use local languages to help people feel proud of their culture.

“The government of Niger calls on the African people to decolonize their minds and promote their own national languages in accordance with the ideas of the founding fathers of Pan-Africanism,” the statement read.

This change follows Niger’s recent withdrawal from the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), a global association of French-speaking nations.

The withdrawal was part of a broader strategy to disengage from institutions perceived as instruments of French influence. The government stated that the OIF “has always been used by France as an instrument to defend French interests.”

Hausa, a Chadic language spoken by over half of Niger’s population, has long been a lingua franca in the region. Its promotion to official status is seen by many as a move to strengthen national identity and promote inclusivity among Niger’s diverse ethnic groups.

However, some people are happy about the change, saying it’s a good way to take back and celebrate their culture. But others are worried. They think using only Hausa might make people who speak other languages in Niger feel left out or ignored.

The government has assured that measures will be taken to ensure that the linguistic rights of all communities are respected. Educational reforms are expected to be implemented to facilitate the transition, including the development of Hausa language curricula and teacher training programs.

This change is part of a bigger movement happening in the Sahel region. Countries like Mali and Burkina Faso are also moving away from using French, which was brought by their former colonizer, France.

The leaders in these countries, who are currently military rulers, say it’s important to support local languages and cultures. They believe this will help their countries become more independent and bring people together as one nation.

As Niger starts using Hausa as its main language, people around the world are paying close attention. If this change works well, it might encourage other French-speaking African countries to do the same.
In the words of a government spokesperson, “Embracing our native languages is not just about communication; it’s about reclaiming our heritage and building a future that reflects our true identity.”

The road ahead may be challenging, but for many Nigeriens, the adoption of Hausa as the official language is a proud affirmation of their cultural legacy and a hopeful step toward a more inclusive and self-determined nation.