In a bold and symbolic move to further sever ties with its former colonial master, the military-led government of the Niger Republic has declared Hausa as the country’s new national language, officially replacing French — a remnant of decades of colonial domination.
This historic shift was enshrined in a new constitutional charter released on March 31, published in a special edition of the government’s official gazette. The document states unequivocally: “The national language is Hausa,” while English and French are now relegated to “working languages.”
With an estimated population of 26 million, the decision marks a cultural renaissance for Nigeriens, the majority of whom speak and understand Hausa — especially in the densely populated regions of Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua. In stark contrast, French is spoken by only about 13 percent of the population, mostly in administrative and elite circles.
The new charter doesn’t stop at Hausa. It recognizes nine other indigenous languages — Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, Tamasheq, Arabic, and a few others — as “spoken languages of Niger,” a move that many see as a broader effort to reclaim and celebrate Niger’s diverse linguistic and cultural heritage.
This latest action is part of a sweeping anti-French policy by the junta, which took power in a coup in 2023. It follows the expulsion of French troops in December 2023 and the country’s withdrawal from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie — a bloc of French-speaking nations that functions similarly to the Commonwealth.
Tensions between Niger and France have escalated dramatically in recent months. French President Emmanuel Macron, during a speech in January, lashed out at African nations, accusing their leaders of ingratitude.
“We had a relationship based on security — it was twofold. On one hand, it was our commitment to fighting terrorism since 2013. We were right, though I think someone forgot to say thank you,” Macron said, adding, “Ungratefulness, I know too well, is a disease that cannot be transmitted to men.”
In a tone laced with frustration and colonial nostalgia, the French president continued, “None of them would be sovereign countries today if the French army hadn’t been deployed in the region… We did the right thing. We left because there were coups… France no longer had a place there.”
But for the junta in Niamey, these remarks only underscore the need for complete autonomy — politically, militarily, and culturally.
Analysts view the language reform as more than symbolic. It’s a powerful assertion of identity and sovereignty in the face of neocolonial influence — a call to the people of Niger and to other Francophone African nations that true independence must extend beyond borders to include language, culture, and mindset.
As Niger continues its recalibration away from France’s orbit, the rest of the Sahel — including Mali and Burkina Faso — watches closely. For many, Hausa is no longer just a language of the people — it is the voice of resistance.
PIONEER NEWS 