The military government in Niger Republic is continuing its move to distance the country from France, officially establishing Hausa as the nation’s new official language.
Historically, French has been the main and official language in Niger. However, a recent government charter, dated March 31st, declares that “the national language is Hausa,” while “the working languages are English and French.”
It’s worth noting that Hausa was already widely spoken in Niger, especially in areas like Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua. Most of Niger’s population, estimated at around 26 million, are fluent in Hausa. In contrast, only about 13% of the population, or roughly three million people, speak French.
The new charter also recognizes nine other local languages, including Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, and Arabic, as “spoken languages of Niger.”
Adding to this shift, Niger’s government has also decided to withdraw from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie. This is an organization, similar to the Commonwealth, that supports countries where French is spoken.
These changes come after French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his frustration with some African leaders, saying they lacked gratitude.
Macron stated in January, “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. It’s okay, it will come with time.
“Ungratefulness, I know too well, is a disease that cannot be transmitted to men. But I say this for all African heads of state who have lacked courage in the face of public opinion.
“None of them would be sovereign countries today if the French army hadn’t been deployed in the region. My heart goes out to all our soldiers, some of whom have given their lives and fought for years. We did the right thing. We left because there were coups. We were there at the request of sovereign states who asked France to come.”
