Sahel States ditch French, Niger adopts Hausa as official language

Niger’s military-led government has officially declared Hausa as the country’s new national language, replacing French in a significant departure from its colonial past. The new charter, published on March 31, 2025, states, “The national language is Hausa,” while “the working languages are English and French.”

Niger is the latest to make such a decision with neighboring countries like Mali and Burkina Faso, which have also distanced themselves from France.
Hausa is the most widely spoken language in Niger, especially in the regions of Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua. It is understood and spoken by a large portion of the country’s 26 million citizens. In contrast, French is spoken by only about 13 percent of the population, approximately three million people.

The new charter also officially lists nine other local languages, including Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic, as the spoken languages of Niger.
This is a regional trend where former French colonies are distancing themselves from their colonial past. Neighboring countries like Mali and Burkina Faso have also done same including withdrawing from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF).

Since taking control in a July 2023 coup that removed civilian president Mohamed Bazoum, Niger’s junta has systematically severed ties with France. The move follows a national conference held in February, which reinforced the ruling junta’s authority and granted its leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, a mandate to remain in power for five more years.

The move has set off discussions and excitement in Northern Nigeria, where Hausa is also widely spoken. Youth movements and political figures are calling for similar steps, reigniting discussions about the Arewa Republic movement