Niger announces withdrawal from the International Organization of La Francophonie
Niger officially announced its withdrawal from the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), through a memorandum issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.
The memorandum, published on the official Facebook page of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Nigeriens Abroad, was directed to the country’s diplomatic and consular missions.
“I am honored to inform you that, through the oral memorandum dated March 7, 2025, the Government of Niger has, in a sovereign decision, decided to withdraw from the International Organization of La Francophonie,” it said.
The International Organization of La Francophonie, founded in 1970, is dedicated to promoting the French language and fostering political, educational, economic, and cultural cooperation among member countries, according to the organisation’s website.
According to media reports from Niger, the country had already suspended its cooperation with the organization, signalling a shift toward enhancing its political, diplomatic, and economic sovereignty.
In late 2023, Niger had announced the suspension of all cooperation with the International Organization of La Francophonie, criticizing the organization for losing its credibility.
At that time, Niamey declared that “La Francophonie is no longer a tool for reconciliation but an instrument used by France to defend its interests and bolster its influence in Africa.” The authorities called for an end to what they termed “the colonization of minds” and a promotion of national languages “in line with the ideals of the founding fathers of African unity.”
