Niamey, Niger / Bamako, Mali — The military-led governments of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have officially announced their withdrawal from the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), further solidifying their collective break from former colonial power France and signaling a realignment of their international partnerships.
Mali’s junta confirmed its decision to leave the OIF on Monday, just a day after Niger and Burkina Faso made similar announcements. The move cements the growing diplomatic shift among the three Sahel nations, which have distanced themselves from Western influence in favor of alternative alliances.
The OIF, a post-colonial entity akin to the Commonwealth, suspended Mali’s membership in August 2020 following a military coup that ousted then-President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. The organization had called for his release and a swift return to democratic rule. Similarly, Niger was suspended in December 2023 after the military toppled President Mohamed Bazoum in July of that year. Burkina Faso, under military rule since its own coups in 2022, faced similar scrutiny from the OIF.
Since their respective military takeovers, the three nations have increasingly coordinated their foreign policy, culminating in the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in September 2023. This mutual defense pact aims to bolster regional security and reduce reliance on Western powers. As part of this strategy, the AES bloc has deepened relations with Russia, securing military training agreements and infrastructure development projects across member states.
The withdrawal from La Francophonie marks a significant geopolitical shift, highlighting the growing rejection of French influence in the region. By severing ties with the OIF, the junta-led governments of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso appear to reaffirm their commitment to reshaping their foreign alliances, reflecting broader political and security transformations in the Sahel.
