Niger Rejects French, Embraces Hausa as National Language in Bold Move Away from Colonial Past. “This is a cultural rebellion against colonial domination,” said a government spokesperson in Niamey. “Hausa is not just a language; it’s our identity, our heritage, and our future.” The decision aligns with broader anti-colonial measures taken by the junta, including the expulsion of French troops, the renaming of French-named streets, and the withdrawal from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) in March 2025, alongside fellow Sahelian nations Mali and Burkina Faso. For many Nigeriens, the change is a source of pride. “French was never ours—it was imposed,” said Mamadou Issoufou, a trader in Maradi. “Hausa is what we live and breathe. This feels like taking our country back.” Details: https://tinyurl.com/3twx48r9