Niger Severs Ties with Francophone Body Over Close Ties to France

Niger has suspended all co-operation with the International Organisation of Francophone Nations (OIF), citing concerns about its close ties to former colonial ruler France, days after President Emmanuel Macron's administration closed its embassy in Niamey.

This comes after a July 2023 coup that saw the military seize power and expel French troops stationed in the country. The OIF, while initially condemning the coup, sought to maintain programs benefiting civilians and promoting democracy. However, Niger's government views the organization as a tool of French interests and advocates for decolonization and promoting national languages. 

Niger's government called for African nations to embrace their languages, advocating decolonization of thought per Pan-Africanism's principles.

The junta seized power in Niger in July in a coup, which was strongly condemned by France and other of their Western allies. The duration of the military's hold on power remains undecided, pending a national dialogue focused on inclusivity, with no specified schedule announced yet.