By Gwurld4026 
French Language Replaced by Hausa in Niger Republic
Niger’s transitional government has officially designated Hausa as the national language, replacing French, which has been demoted to a working language. This change was outlined in the recently adopted Refoundation Charter, published in Niger’s Official Journal.
Hausa is the most widely spoken language in Niger, particularly prevalent in regions such as Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua. Approximately 55.4% of Niger’s population are Hausa speakers. In contrast, French, inherited from the colonial period, was previously the official language but is spoken by only about 13% of the population.
The Refoundation Charter also recognizes nine other local languages—including Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic—as “spoken languages of Niger.”
This linguistic shift is part of Niger’s broader efforts to distance itself from its colonial past and redefine its national identity. Following the military coup in July 2023 that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, the junta-led government has taken steps such as expelling French troops, cutting diplomatic ties with France, and renaming streets and landmarks that previously bore French names.
In March 2025, Niger, along with neighboring countries Mali and Burkina Faso, withdrew from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), an organization of French-speaking nations. The three countries accused the OIF of political bias and interference in their internal affairs.