After Niger decision… All three African Sahel Alliance states announce withdrawal from the International Organization of La Francophonie
Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso announced their collective withdrawal from the International Organization of La Francophonie, a move similar to their announcement of a tripartite withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in late January 2024.
A joint statement issued by the foreign ministers of the three countries participating in the Sahel Alliance accused the International Organization of La Francophonie of becoming a remotely controlled political tool.
The statement added that the organization, instead of supporting these countries in achieving the legitimate goals of their people, has been selectively applying sanctions based on geopolitical considerations and disregard for the sovereignty of these countries.
The statement explained that the heads of the three countries, loyal to the aspirations of their peoples and keen to defend their legitimate interests, have decided to leave the International Organization of La Francophonie.
The three countries had unilaterally announced their withdrawal from the International Organization of La Francophonie.
Mali declared in a statement that it cannot remain a member of an organization whose actions contradict constitutional principles… based on state sovereignty.
For its part, Niger announced in a brief statement addressed to diplomatic missions, signed by Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Laouali Labo, its decision to sovereignly withdraw from the International Organization of La Francophonie.
Burkina Faso hasn’t issued a statement regarding its withdrawal from the organization, but a spokeswoman for the International Organization of La Francophonie commented on the matter, saying that the country had taken a similar decision to follow the step announced by Niger.
The International Organization of La Francophonie, headquartered in Paris, comprises 93 member states and governments.
Its goals include promoting the French language and cultural and linguistic diversity, as well as addressing issues of peace, democracy, and human rights, and supporting education.
