March 20, 2025 | AfricaFirst.news
In a decisive move against lingering colonial influence, Mali has announced its withdrawal from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), joining Burkina Faso and Niger in rejecting the organization that has historically bound French-speaking nations. This decision comes amid ongoing political shifts in the region, where military-led governments in these three countries are actively challenging France’s influence over West Africa. The three Sahel nations, which have recently exited the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), now appear intent on severing diplomatic ties that they view as tools of neo-colonial control.
Mali’s leadership, in a strongly worded statement, accused the OIF of selectively applying sanctions and disregarding the sovereignty of its member states. This rhetoric reflects broader frustrations within the region, where governments have grown increasingly wary of international organizations they believe are acting in the interests of Western powers rather than those of African nations. The move signals a shift towards self-reliance, reinforcing the emerging Alliance of Sahel States (AES) that Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have formed to coordinate economic and security efforts independently.
The departure from La Francophonie will have significant geopolitical consequences. France, which has long maintained influence in West Africa through its language, trade policies, and military presence, stands to lose one of its key diplomatic levers in the region. With the expulsion of French troops from Mali and Niger in recent years and the growing engagement of alternative foreign partners such as Russia and China, the Sahel’s political landscape is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Whether this move leads to greater sovereignty or further isolation remains to be seen, but it is clear that the traditional relationship between France and its former colonies is being rapidly redefined.
