The Republic of Niger has officially announced its decision to withdraw from the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), the global association of French-speaking nations.
A statement signed by Niger’s Secretary-General of the Government, Laouali Labo, was sent to the country’s embassies worldwide on Monday, March 17, informing them of the decision.
The statement read:
“The Republic of Niger has decided to withdraw from the International Organisation of La Francophonie.”
It also directed Niger’s ambassadors to notify their host countries of the decision.
The OIF is an international organization comprising 93 member states worldwide, established to promote the French language, foster cultural and linguistic exchanges, and support peace, human rights, economic development, and education.
The withdrawal is part of Niger’s broader strategy to disengage from international organizations, particularly Western-led alliances, following the July 2023 military coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
Recently, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso—all under military rule—also announced their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), signaling a shift away from Western influence in the region.
Niger Republic cut ties with former colonialists, withdraws from OIF
