Niger’s junta leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, has signed a new refoundation charter that replaces French with Hausa as the official language.

The move, which comes weeks after the charter’s promulgation, redefines the linguistic identity of the West African nation, where French had served as the official language since colonial times.

Under Article 12 of the charter, French will now be used only as a working language, while Hausa, spoken widely across Niger, gains formal status.

The decision marks a symbolic break from colonial legacies and aligns with the country’s broader push for sovereignty and cultural affirmation.