Mali Joins Burkina Faso and Niger in Exiting Francophonie

Leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger (Sahel States)

Mali has announced its withdrawal from the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), just one day after its allies, Burkina Faso and Niger, took the same step. The decision marks another significant move in the growing diplomatic rift between these Sahelian nations and the post-colonial Francophone organisation.

Mali’s Stance: Sovereignty Over Membership

In an official letter addressed to its French counterpart, Mali’s foreign ministry declared, “Mali cannot remain a member of an organisation whose actions are incompatible with constitutional principles… based on the sovereignty of the state.”

This announcement follows Mali’s continued disengagement from French institutions after severing ties with France. Mali’s relationship with the OIF had already been strained, as the country was suspended from the organisation in August 2020 following a military coup that ousted then-President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.

OIF’s Role and Past Actions

The OIF, headquartered in Paris, functions similarly to the Commonwealth, fostering political, educational, economic, and cultural cooperation among its 93 member countries. However, its response to political shifts in Africa has drawn criticism.

Following the coup in Mali, the OIF called for Keita’s release and urged the establishment of a civilian-led transition government. Niger faced similar actions after the ousting of its elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, in July 2023, which led to its suspension from the OIF.

A Shift in Regional Alliances

The withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the OIF comes amid broader geopolitical realignments. The three military-led nations have distanced themselves from their former colonial power, France, and have instead strengthened ties with Russia.

Beyond their departure from the Francophonie, these countries have also exited the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to form their own Sahel confederation, signaling a broader regional shift toward self-determination and new international partnerships.