Niger Declares Hausa as Official Language, Discontinues French as Amtssprache
The transitional government of Niger has declared Hausa as the official language of the country, ending the use of French as an Amtssprache. Despite this, Niger will still keep French as a “working language.” This step comes at a time when Sahel countries are distancing themselves from former colonial power France and forming new alliances to free themselves from the de facto dependence that still exists.
Since independence in 1960, French had been the official language of Niger. The new rulers in the capital Niamey, who came to power in July 2023 through a coup against the then President Mohamed Bazoum, are determined to push back the influence of France. French military personnel have been effectively expelled from the country. The constitution of the country has been suspended and instead, a Charter of Rebirth was adopted last month, which the government claims has legal force. According to the Charter, Article 12 states, “The national language is Hausa and as working languages, English and French are used.”
The document also recognizes nine other languages as business languages, including Arabic. The Charter, which emerged from a National Assembly in February, also extends the term of Interim President Abdourahamane Tchiani by five years.
Niger and its allied Sahel countries Mali and Burkina Faso have recently withdrawn from the Organization of Francophone Countries (OIF). They have formed their own state alliance, the Sahel States Alliance (AES). They accuse the OIF of interference and manipulation. Furthermore, they accuse the OIF of ignoring the sovereignty of its member states and imposing illegal sanctions.