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Niger withdraws from French union
(MENAFN) Niger has officially withdrawn from the International Organization of Francophone Nations (OIF), further distancing itself from its former colonial ruler, France. The country’s foreign Ministry announced the decision on Monday in a statement posted on X.
“The Nigerien government has independently decided to withdraw Niger from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie,” the statement read. While no specific reason was provided, the move follows more than a year of strained relations with the Paris-based organization, which Niamey previously accused of serving French Political interests.
The OIF suspended Niger’s membership in December 2023, months after a military coup ousted former President Mohamed Bazoum. The organization aimed to pressure the new government to restore constitutional rule but continued supporting projects benefiting civilians.
The OIF, which consists of 88 member states, promotes the French language, democracy, education, and development in Francophone nations—many of which were former French colonies.
Since seizing power, Niger’s military-led government, the National Council for Safeguarding the Homeland, has taken several steps to sever ties with France, including expelling French troops that had been assisting in counterterrorism efforts.
Weeks before the coup, Niger also replaced its national anthem, La Nigérienne—written by French composers in 1961—with The Honor of the Fatherland.
Niger's regional allies, Burkina Faso and Mali, have similarly ended defense agreements with France, citing military failures and alleged interference. Both countries have also amended their constitutions to prioritize local languages over French.
In January, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali formally withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), accusing the bloc of serving foreign interests—particularly those of France. The regional organization had previously considered military intervention in Niger to reinstate democratic governance after Bazoum’s removal.
“The Nigerien government has independently decided to withdraw Niger from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie,” the statement read. While no specific reason was provided, the move follows more than a year of strained relations with the Paris-based organization, which Niamey previously accused of serving French Political interests.
The OIF suspended Niger’s membership in December 2023, months after a military coup ousted former President Mohamed Bazoum. The organization aimed to pressure the new government to restore constitutional rule but continued supporting projects benefiting civilians.
The OIF, which consists of 88 member states, promotes the French language, democracy, education, and development in Francophone nations—many of which were former French colonies.
Since seizing power, Niger’s military-led government, the National Council for Safeguarding the Homeland, has taken several steps to sever ties with France, including expelling French troops that had been assisting in counterterrorism efforts.
Weeks before the coup, Niger also replaced its national anthem, La Nigérienne—written by French composers in 1961—with The Honor of the Fatherland.
Niger's regional allies, Burkina Faso and Mali, have similarly ended defense agreements with France, citing military failures and alleged interference. Both countries have also amended their constitutions to prioritize local languages over French.
In January, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali formally withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), accusing the bloc of serving foreign interests—particularly those of France. The regional organization had previously considered military intervention in Niger to reinstate democratic governance after Bazoum’s removal.
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