The government of Niger has formally announced its withdrawal from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), marking a significant shift in the country’s international affiliations.
This decision follows Niger’s suspension from the OIF after a military coup in July 2023 ousted then-President Mohamed Bazoum. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared, “The Nigerien government has independently decided to withdraw Niger from the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie.”
Niger’s exit from the OIF is part of a broader realignment in the region. In January 2024, Niger, alongside Burkina Faso and Mali, withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which later evolved into the Confederation of Sahel States (CSS) in July 2024. This coalition aims to strengthen regional cooperation and reduce reliance on Western institutions.
The move also underscores Niger’s efforts to distance itself from former colonial power France. The junta-led government has accused France of destabilizing the country and has taken steps to eliminate colonial-era symbols, including renaming streets.
The OIF, established to promote the French language and cultural exchange among member states, now faces the challenge of addressing the departure of Niger, a longstanding member. This development raises questions about the organization’s influence and the shifting dynamics within Francophone Africa.
As Niger forges new alliances and redefines its international relationships, the impact of its withdrawal from the OIF will be closely monitored by regional and global observers.
