Another blow to France… Niger decides to withdraw from the International Organization of La Francophonie

Niger announced on Monday its withdrawal from the International Organization of La Francophonie, adding in a letter distributed to its ambassadors that it had decided to do so “sovereignly”.

The organization suspended Niger’s membership following the military coup that ousted civilian President Mohamed Bazoum in late July 2023, and called for a swift return to constitutional order and the release of the president, who has been detained since his ouster.

Niger, which joined the International Organization of La Francophonie in 1970, 10 years after its independence, responded by suspending cooperation with the organization, whose secretary-general is Rwandan Louise Mushikiwabo.

Since coming to power, transitional President General Abdourahmane Tiani has taken several steps reflecting his desire to sever ties with France, including severing military ties with the country, expelling its forces and ambassador from the country, and renaming major streets and monuments in the capital, Niamey, that had previously been named after French figures.

Under General Tiani’s presidency, Niger also adopted a sovereign policy in the mining sector, particularly with regard to uranium.

The country recently revoked the French Orano Group’s operating license for a massive reserve called Imouraren, and the company also announced it had lost control of one of its subsidiaries, SOMIR.

The percentage of French speakers in Niger is estimated at 13%, representing more than 3 million people, out of a population of more than 26 million in the former French colony.

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.