Niger’s Govt pulls out from Francophonie organization

Niger’s military-led government has officially announced its withdrawal from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), a global association of French-speaking nations.

The decision, confirmed on Monday by the country’s foreign affairs ministry, comes as the junta continues to cut ties with France, its former colonial ruler.

“The Nigerien government has independently decided to withdraw Niger from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie,” the ministry declared.

Niger had already been suspended from the OIF following the military coup in July 2023, which ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.

The organization, which consists of 88 member states, had called for Bazoum’s release and a return to constitutional rule. However, the deposed president and his wife remain in custody under the junta’s authority.

Since taking power, Niger’s military rulers have distanced themselves from France, opting instead to strengthen alliances with Russia and neighboring military-led governments in Burkina Faso and Mali.

In a symbolic move, Niger also replaced its national anthem, originally composed by French musician Maurice Albert Thiriet in 1961, with a new song titled For the Honour of the Fatherland, which reflects the country’s anti-colonial stance.