Niger Junta severe ties with organisation of French-speaking countries after 55 years
The Nigerien junta has announced the country’s exit from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), also known as the International Organisation of La Francophonie.
On Monday, the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministère des Affaires Étrangères) stated that Niger had severed ties with the OIF, ending a 55-year-old relationship.
The announcement, signed by the Secretary-General of the regime, Laouali Labo, indicated that the decision had been communicated to both the OIF and Niger’s embassies worldwide.
The diplomatic row between Niger and its former colonial power, France, began after the country’s democratically elected government, led by Mohamed Bazoum, was ousted in July 2023.
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This led to the expulsion of French businesses and troops from the West African nation.
Now tensions between France and Niger have escalated with Niger’s withdrawal from the OIF further straining relations between the two countries.
Recall that Niger had earlier withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) after being threatened with military action by the regional body.
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