Niger’s military leadership announced the suspension of all collaboration with the international organization of Francophone nations (OIF), marking a significant move as the country progressively distances itself from its former colonial ruler, France.
In a televised statement late on Sunday, a spokesperson for Niger’s ruling junta criticized the 88-member body, citing its utilization as a tool by France to safeguard its interests.
The junta came to power through a coup in July, an action strongly denounced by France and other Western allies. Subsequently, it expelled French troops that had been assisting in combating a decade-long Islamist insurgency in the West African nation.
Last week, the OIF had already curtailed most cooperation with Niger due to the coup, although it pledged to maintain programs directly benefiting civilians and those contributing to the restoration of democracy.
While the organization’s primary objectives encompass promoting the French language, supporting peace, democracy, education, and development in Francophone nations, including former French colonies, Niger’s government urged African nations to embrace their national languages in alignment with the principles of Pan-Africanism.
The junta emphasized in another statement on Sunday that the duration of their tenure was yet to be determined, with the transition period contingent upon an inclusive national dialogue whose timing was unspecified.