Mali announced its withdrawal from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) on March 18, following Niger and Burkina Faso’s similar decisions. Citing incompatibility with state sovereignty, Mali, suspended since 2020 after a coup, joins its allies in redefining their foreign relations while distancing from France and seeking new partnerships, notably with Russia.

Mali has officially announced its departure from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), following the footsteps of Niger and Burkina Faso, which both made similar announcements on March 17. The junta-led government in Mali stated, “Mali cannot remain a member of an organization whose actions are incompatible with constitutional principles (…) based on the sovereignty of the state,” indicating a critical stance toward the OIF’s operations.

Mali’s withdrawal comes after it was suspended from the OIF in August 2020, following a military coup that ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta. The OIF had urged the release of Keïta, who had been in power since 2013, while calling for a transition to a civilian-led government amid a backdrop of ongoing crises in the nation.

On the previous day, Burkina Faso and Niger, which recently severed ties with France and strengthened relations with Russia, also declared their exit from the OIF. These three countries have also departed from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to establish a new Sahel confederation.

Niger faced suspension from the OIF following a military coup that removed President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023. The OIF, headquartered in Paris, promotes the French language and fosters political, educational, economic, and cultural cooperation among its 93 member nations.

In summary, Mali has joined Niger and Burkina Faso in withdrawing from the OIF, signaling a significant shift in their foreign relations and a rejection of colonial legacies. This move highlights the increasing camaraderie among these junta-led nations as they focus on establishing sovereignty while turning towards new alliances, particularly with Russia. The OIF’s suspension of these countries further reflects the tensions surrounding governance and international relations in the region.

Original Source: www.lemonde.fr

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