Sahelian Nations Withdraw from Francophone Organization Over Sovereignty Concerns after ECOWAS Exit
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In a significant geopolitical move, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have announced their withdrawal from the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), citing concerns over sovereignty and allegations of neocolonial influence. This decision follows their earlier withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), marking a continued departure from institutions perceived as serving Western interests.
The OIF, originally established in 1970 in Niamey, Niger, as the Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation (ACCT), has evolved over the decades to promote the French language and cooperation among Francophone countries. However, the three Sahelian nations accuse the organization of becoming “a remote-controlled political instrument” operated from Paris, prioritizing geopolitical considerations over its stated goals.
In a joint statement, the three countries highlighted their discontent with OIF’s actions, alleging “selective implementation of sanctions” and “disregard for sovereignty” following the ousting of France-backed regimes in the region. These criticisms are in line with broader anti-colonial sentiments that have surged in the Sahel, where military governments in Mali (2020), Burkina Faso (2022), and Niger (2023) have expelled French troops and severed diplomatic ties with France, gaining widespread domestic support.
The withdrawal from OIF was announced on March 17 by Niger and Burkina Faso, followed by Mali on March 18. Mali’s Foreign Ministry stated, “Mali cannot remain a member of an organization whose actions are incompatible with constitutional principles founded on state sovereignty.” This move aligns with Mali’s broader rejection of French dominance, which was underscored by the demotion of French from an official language to a working language in mid-2023.
While the OIF spokesperson expressed regret over the withdrawal, emphasizing its potential impact on ongoing projects, the three countries remain steadfast in their decision. The withdrawal is set to take effect in six months, further reshaping the political landscape of the region.
These developments underscore the growing strength of the Alliance for Sahel States (AES), a confederation formed by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to resist neocolonial pressures. Their united stance not only challenges French influence but also raises questions about the future of institutions like OIF and ECOWAS in the Sahel and West Africa.
Presently, the OIF has 93 member states, but as popular anti-colonial movements gain momentum across France’s former colonies in the region, its capacity to exert influence through such entities may continue to erode. This pivotal moment reflects a broader shift as Sahelian nations strive for greater autonomy and sovereignty.
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