Three West African nations—Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—have officially left the International Organisation of Francophone Nations (OIF), accusing the organisation of treating them unfairly and serving political interests rather than supporting its original goal of cultural unity.
The government of Burkina Faso announced the decision clearly this week, saying the organisation had moved away from its promise to encourage cooperation and had become a tool used unfairly against certain countries.
“Burkina Faso cannot continue its cooperation with an institution that no longer meets its legitimate expectations in terms of justice, equality, and fairness,”
the government said in a statement shared by the state broadcaster AIB.
Mali quickly followed Burkina Faso’s announcement, speaking for the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a group recently formed by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to support each other in regional matters. In its statement, Mali criticised the Francophone organisation for selectively punishing countries that had experienced recent political changes.
“Since the advent of the transition in Mali, Burkina Faso, and then Niger, the OIF … has distinguished itself in the selective application of sanctions … and disregard for their sovereignty,”
Mali’s foreign ministry explained in its statement.
Niger had already decided earlier this week to leave the organisation, though it did not fully explain its reasons at the time. However, Niger had previously suspended ties with the organisation after its military government came to power in July 2023, claiming that the OIF was serving French political interests instead of those of African nations.
The OIF was created in 1970 in Niger’s capital, Niamey, with the purpose of bringing together French-speaking countries through shared culture, education, and promoting peace. Many members of the organisation are former colonies of France.
However, recent military coups in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso resulted in the suspension of these three countries from the organisation. The countries affected argue that the organisation’s response was unfair, biased, and overlooked their rights to make independent decisions.
These moves to withdraw reflect a deeper frustration in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso towards what they see as ongoing interference by France in their affairs. The three countries have also ended military cooperation with France due to accusations of interference and a failure by French troops to help stop violent groups threatening the region.
In addition, all three nations left the West African group ECOWAS, arguing it was used by foreign countries—especially France—to pressure and control them, rather than to support their independence and regional peace.
The OIF expressed disappointment about the decision of the three countries but acknowledged their right to leave. Oria Vande Weghe, spokesperson for the organisation, described the situation as difficult but beyond their control.
“The OIF considers itself to be collateral damage in a geopolitical situation that is beyond its control,”
she said, speaking to French broadcaster TV5 Monde.
While South Africa officially gained political freedom nearly three decades ago, many argue it remains economically influenced by British and American interests. From mining and finance to trade and agriculture, foreign control continues to dominate key industries, often limiting genuine economic empowerment and independence for South Africans.
This raises a crucial question: Should South Africa and other African countries rethink their economic and political connections with former colonial powers? As demonstrated by the bold steps of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, more African nations could be inspired to demand fairer partnerships rather than remain dependent on structures set up by former colonisers.
