Burkina Faso and Niger have announced their withdrawals from the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF). The two countries cited concerns over fairness and political manipulation.
Burkina Faso officially exited the OIF on February 28, 2025, arguing that the organisation has deviated from its original mission of promoting cultural and technical cooperation. According to a statement from Ouagadougou, the OIF has become “a partial instrument of political manipulation” rather than an impartial body fostering collaboration among Francophone nations. Burkina Faso emphasised that it could not continue to cooperate with an institution that no longer aligns with its “legitimate expectations in terms of justice, equality, and fairness.”
A key grievance also appears to be the selective suspension of African nations that have experienced shifts in political power. Burkina Faso specifically pointed to the OIF’s actions against African countries undergoing political transitions while remaining silent on similar changes in other regions. This perceived inconsistency, officials argue, reflects a broader bias within the organisation.
Niger Follows Suit
Just days after Burkina Faso’s departure, Niger followed suit, announcing its withdrawal in an official note from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The message, signed by Secretary-General Laouali Labo, instructed Nigerien diplomatic missions to inform their respective jurisdictions of the decision. While no official reason was cited, tensions between Niger and the OIF have been simmering since the military coup on July 26, 2023, which led to the Francophonie suspending Niger from all its bodies in December of the same year. Niger’s authorities subsequently ceased all cooperation with the organisation, culminating in this final break.
A Regional Shift: Mali May Follow
The decision by both nations signals a broader shift in regional politics, where sovereignty and non-interference are becoming paramount concerns for West African governments. With Mali potentially considering a similar withdrawal, the OIF faces an uncertain future in the region, as more member states question its role and impartiality.
The withdrawal of Burkina Faso and Niger from the Francophonie marks a significant moment in African diplomacy. This is likely to reshape the geopolitical alignment of Francophone West Africa.
