Niger’s military leadership has announced the suspension of all cooperation with the International Organization of Francophone Nations (OIF). This move is perceived as a clear-cut attempt to sever ties with former colonial ruler France. The OIF is an institution with 88 members across French-speaking countries, aiming to promote political, educational, economic, and cultural cooperation.
In a press conference held last week, Niger’s Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane labeled the OIF as a tool for protecting France’s interests. It’s worth noting that the OIF had already suspended cooperation with Niger last week, following a coup that toppled the country’s first elected president, Mohammad Bazoum. Notwithstanding this suspension, the OIF stressed that programs benefiting the civilian populations and those contributing to the restoration of democracy would continue.
Mohammad Bazoum was overthrown in July by a military coup and has been detained since. The Conseil National pour la Sauvegarde de la Patrie (CNSP), the junta that led the coup, now holds power in Niger and has undertaken multiple steps towards reducing French influence. These include the expulsion of French diplomats, blocking of French media outlets – namely RFI and France 24, and prompting French troops to leave the nation.
To reiterate their resistance against colonial influence, the CNSP government has called for a decolonization process and the establishment of “Pan-Africanism” in the Sahel region. Despite facing international opposition due to apprehensions about democracy and constitutional order, the CNSP maintains that the UN Credentials Committee has supported the legitimacy of the new government, as suggested in its statement and the committee’s report A/78/605 issued on December 6.
For more detailed information on this development, you can read the full report on JURIST – News.