Niger’s transitional military government is facing mounting criticism over its recent linguistic policies, which opponents say threaten national unity by deliberately manipulating the status of indigenous tongues.
The controversy centers on Article 12 of a government memorandum, ratified in March 2025, that classifies Hausa as the sole “national language” while relegating other native languages to secondary status and labelling French—and prospectively English—as “working languages.”
Omar Mukhtar Al‑Ansari, a prominent Nigerian politician and writer, appealed for a more inclusive approach.
He argued that “linguistic diversity is a pillar of national unity… and terminology must not be manipulated for populist ends.”
His statement has resonated with educators, community leaders, and civil society groups across Niger, many of whom fear that the policy could erode both cultural heritage and citizens’ rights.
Since the end of a series of so‑called “national dialogue” sessions, the junta asserted it had endorsed a memorandum aimed at restoring the republic.
However, critics contend that the linguistic provisions serve political ends by creating a hierarchy among Niger’s more than a dozen local languages.
Under the contested Article 12, Arabic, Bodoma, Fulfulde, Gurmangaï, Hausa, Kanuri, Gadali, Tamasheq, Tissawaq, Tubu and Zarma‑Songhaï are recognised—but only Hausa is granted the status of national language.
French and English are demoted to working languages, a move critics label superficial given French’s entrenched role in government, education and the courts.
Al‑Ansari calls this two‑fold manipulation.
First, by elevating Hausa alone, the authorities risk “marginalising the heritage of communities whose languages embody their history and identity,” he warns.
Second, by branding French as a working language, the government pursues a populist narrative of decolonisation without making substantive reforms to promote local languages in schools or administration.
To remedy the bias, Al‑Ansari proposes a redrafted Article 12 that would:
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Recognise all local tongues—including those listed above—as equal national languages.
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Firmly establish Hausa as the official language.
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Designate English as a future working language, with French remaining a temporary administrative medium.
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Allow for the addition of other national languages over time, based on historical, cultural and academic criteria.
He urges a nationwide dialogue “that celebrates every community’s identity and safeguards the citizenship of all Nigeriens.”
According to Al‑Ansari, such an inclusive policy would not only reinforce national cohesion but also pave the way for Niger’s integration into the global economy through multilingual education programs.
Omar Mukhtar Al‑Ansari is both an established writer and an outspoken advocate for democratic reform.
His intervention has reignited calls for a language policy that truly reflects Niger’s rich cultural tapestry and ambitions for unity and progress.
