Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso Withdraw from Francophonie Organization

The withdrawals coincide with International Francophonie Day, highlighting geopolitical tensions and the growing influence of the French language in Africa.

Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have announced their withdrawal from the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), a decision linked to distancing from France following military coups.
The OIF, founded in Niger in 1970, promotes the French language, peace, and cultural cooperation, and now faces challenges with these departures.
The withdrawals, which will take effect in six months, mark the loss of Niger as one of the OIF's founding members.
The OIF expressed regret over the exits and plans to continue engaging with French-speaking communities in these countries.
International Francophonie Day 2025 focuses on education's role in sustainable development, with French remaining a growing global language, particularly in Africa where 60% of daily speakers reside.