Niger Withdraws from the International Organisation of La Francophonie

Niger officially exits the International Organisation of La Francophonie, signaling a shift in its diplomatic and linguistic ties with the French-speaking bloc.

On Monday, Niger declared its decision to withdraw from the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF). This announcement was made through a note issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and sent to the country’s diplomatic missions worldwide.

The memorandum, endorsed by Secretary-General Laouali Labo, did not specify reasons for the decision but directed mission leaders to notify their respective areas of authority. Relations between Niger and the OIF have greatly worsened since the coup on July 26, 2023.

In December, the Francophonie suspended Niger from all its entities. Shortly afterward, the newly established authorities in Niger declared a halt to all cooperation with the organization.

Niger, one of the original members of Francophonie, could potentially be followed by Burkina Faso after its official withdrawal notification. Mali might also consider a similar move.