Niamey, Niger — Niger’s military-led government has officially announced the country’s withdrawal from the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), further distancing itself from former colonial power France and signaling a realignment of its international partnerships.
The decision, disclosed in a communiqué from Niger’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, comes after the OIF suspended Niger’s membership in December 2023 following a military coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in July of the same year. The OIF had called for a swift return to constitutional order and the release of Bazoum and his wife, who remain in custody.
In the aftermath of the coup, Niger has shifted its diplomatic focus towards strengthening ties with neighboring countries under military rule, notably Burkina Faso and Mali. In September 2023, these nations formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a mutual defense pact aimed at enhancing regional security and cooperation.
The AES has sought to diversify its international partnerships, notably increasing cooperation with Russia. This includes agreements for military training and the deployment of telecommunications infrastructure across the member states.
Niger’s withdrawal from the OIF marks a significant step in its efforts to redefine its foreign policy and reduce French influence in the region. The move reflects a broader trend among Sahelian countries seeking alternative alliances amid ongoing security challenges and political transitions.
