L-R: Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger military leaders.
By Greg Kerry
Mali has officially announced its withdrawal from the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), following the lead of Burkina Faso and Niger.
The decision, revealed on Tuesday by the Malian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscores the country’s stance on reclaiming its sovereignty and distancing itself from French influence.
In its statement, the ministry emphasized that Mali could no longer remain in an organisation whose actions contradict its constitutional principles, particularly those centered on state sovereignty.
This move aligns with similar steps taken by Burkina Faso and Niger, both of which have severed ties with France under their current military-led governments.
The three Sahel nations, once founding members of the OIF, have criticized the organisation for its selective application of sanctions and for undermining their national sovereignty.
They argue that the OIF has become a politically motivated tool rather than a platform for genuine cooperation among French-speaking nations.
This latest withdrawal highlights the deepening rift between these former French colonies and France.
The military governments in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have increasingly turned to Russia for support, while also making symbolic gestures of independence, such as renaming streets and monuments that previously honored France.
The move further solidifies the growing anti-French sentiment in the region, as these countries seek to redefine their international alliances and assert greater control over their political and economic futures.
