Niger has made a big change by choosing Hausa as its new national language, replacing French. This decision was made by the military government and shared in a new charter released on March 31.

Hausa is the most commonly spoken language in Niger. Many people in areas like Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua speak it. About 26 million people live in Niger, and most of them understand Hausa. On the other hand, only around 13% of the population—about three million people—speak French.

Even though Hausa is now the national language, English and French will still be used for official work. The charter also lists nine other local languages, such as Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic, as widely spoken in the country.

This decision came after a national meeting in February, where the military government gave its leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, the power to stay in office for five more years.

Since taking over in a July 2023 coup, the military has cut ties with France. They have sent away French troops, ended diplomatic relations, and changed street names that were linked to France.

Niger is not alone in this. Other nearby countries like Mali and Burkina Faso, which are also run by military governments, have made similar moves to reduce French influence. They have even left the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, a group of French-speaking countries.