The recent decision by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—collectively known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—to formally withdraw from the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) underscores a significant geopolitical shift in West Africa. The move, long anticipated by regional observers, reflects a broader rejection of French influence and a push for greater sovereignty among Sahel nations.
The announcement, made in a joint statement by the three countries’ foreign ministers on March 18, 2025, cited the OIF’s “condescending attitude” and “instrumentalisation” as key reasons for their departure. The AES leaders accused the organisation of applying selective sanctions against them, driven by geopolitical considerations, and failing to support their political transitions. “The heads of state of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, faithful to the aspirations of their peoples and concerned with defending their legitimate interests, have therefore decided to leave the OIF, in accordance with Article 10 of its charter,” the statement read.
This decision marks a symbolic rupture with an organisation the three nations helped establish 55 years ago. Founded in 1970 in Niamey, Niger, the OIF has long served as a cornerstone of France’s cultural diplomacy, promoting the French language and Francophone values worldwide.
However, the AES countries have increasingly prioritised indigenous languages and cultures, with Mali and Burkina Faso recently dropping French as an official language. Niger’s closure of the French lycée “La Fontaine” in Niamey in 2024, attributed to “diplomatic tensions,” further signalled this cultural and political realignment.
The withdrawal also aligns with the AES’s broader anti-colonial policies, including the formation of their alliance in 2024 to counter French dominance in the region. This move follows the expulsion of French troops from all three countries, part of a growing trend among Sahel nations to reject external influence and assert their sovereignty. The OIF’s suspension of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger following recent military coups further strained relations, with the AES leaders denouncing the organisation as a “remotely controlled political instrument” of Western domination.
The departure of these three founding members poses a significant challenge to the OIF’s influence, particularly in Africa, which is home to 54.7% of the world’s French speakers, according to the organisation’s 2022 report. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), for instance, with a population of 105 million, has nearly double the number of French speakers as France itself. The loss of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger could inspire other Francophone African nations to reconsider their ties with the OIF, potentially diminishing France’s linguistic and cultural influence on the global stage.
This shift has raised concerns among advocates of French culture, who fear a domino effect that could weaken France’s standing in international institutions like the United Nations, where French is an official language largely due to the weight of Francophone Africa. The expulsion of French troops and the closure of military bases in several West African countries have already set a precedent for such a trend.
For the Sahel nations, the decision represents a bold step toward decolonisation and self-determination. While some analysts warn of potential short-term economic and security challenges, others argue that the move empowers local identities and fosters cultural liberation. For France, the loss of influence in the Sahel may necessitate a re-evaluation of its approach to Africa, potentially leading to a more equitable partnership—or further estrangement.
The withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the OIF is more than a symbolic gesture; it is a pivotal moment in French-African relations. It signals a broader rejection of colonial legacies and a determination to prioritise indigenous languages, cultures, and sovereignty. As the Sahel nations chart a new course, the implications for France’s cultural, political, and economic influence in the region—and beyond—are profound.
