NIGER’S MILITARY-LED government has formally withdrawn from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), severing a 55-year-old relationship with the body that represents French-speaking nations. The decision, signed by the regime’s Secretary-General, Laouali Labo, has been communicated to both the OIF and Niger’s diplomatic missions worldwide, according to official statements.
Niger’s departure from La Francophonie follows months of escalating diplomatic tensions between the West African country and France, its former colonial ruler.
The rift deepened after the July 2023 coup, which ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, prompting France to suspend aid, recall its ambassador, and withdraw military forces from Niger. Subsequently, in September 2023, French President Emmanuel Macron announced the withdrawal of France’s ambassador and military forces from Niger.
Niger’s withdrawal from the OIF signals a broader realignment of its foreign policy. The junta-led government has been distancing itself from Western alliances while strengthening ties with Russia and other non-Western powers. The Explainer learned that this shift aligns with similar moves by Mali and Burkina Faso, both of which have also turned away from traditional Western partnerships.
In January 2024, Niger, along with Mali and Burkina Faso, announced its immediate withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), citing opposition to the regional body’s threats of military intervention. This decision was formalized by ECOWAS on January 29, 2025, marking a significant shift in the region’s geopolitical landscape.
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The OIF, established in 1970, promotes French language, cultural ties, and development cooperation among its 88 member states and governments. Over the years, Niger has received significant support through education, economic aid, and governance programmes under the OIF umbrella.
Despite this, critics argue that La Francophonie has often been seen as an instrument of French soft power rather than a purely linguistic and cultural organisation.
The Explainer gathered that this sentiment is not unique to Niger. In recent years, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea—all led by military governments—have questioned their continued participation in institutions linked to France, citing similar concerns about national sovereignty and external interference.
Niger’s withdrawal from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) carries significant political implications and potential economic consequences. France has historically been one of Niger’s largest trade partners, and the country has benefited from various OIF-backed economic initiatives. The impact of this exit on foreign investment, aid, and trade agreements remains uncertain.
Foreign Direct Investment
According to World Bank data, foreign direct investment (FDI) net inflows to Niger have varied over the years.
French-Funded Development Projects
Niger has been a major beneficiary of French-funded development projects, particularly in education, healthcare, and agriculture. The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) has been instrumental in supporting these sectors. For more information on AFD’s initiatives in Niger, you can visit:
Experts warn that severing ties with institutions like the OIF could affect future cooperation in these areas. The full extent of these potential impacts remains to be seen as the situation develops.
Niger’s exit from La Francophonie is not an isolated event but part of a broader realignment of its foreign policy and diplomatic alliances.
The consequences—political, economic, and social—are still unfolding. What remains clear is that Niger, like several of its neighbours, is charting a new course, one that moves further away from its colonial past and towards an uncertain but independent future.
