Niger has officially withdrawn from the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), according to a note from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday. The announcement, signed by Secretary-General Laouali Labo, was sent to the country’s diplomatic missions, instructing them to relay the decision abroad.
While no specific reasons were provided, the move follows a steady deterioration in relations since the July 2023 coup. The OIF suspended Niger from its bodies in December, prompting the new military-led government to halt all cooperation with the organisation.
Niger, a founding member of the Francophonie, could set a precedent for other Sahel nations. Burkina Faso has already initiated its withdrawal, while Mali is expected to follow.
