Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have deepened their break with France, signaling a new era in West Africa’s geopolitical landscape. The latest move came with Mali’s withdrawal from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), following in the footsteps of Burkina Faso and Niger. This collective disengagement from a major institution of the French-speaking world underscores the ongoing shift in these countries’ foreign policies, as their ruling juntas push to redefine national sovereignty and reduce longstanding ties with France.
Mali’s announcement follows months of increasing distance from Paris, particularly in the wake of its 2021 coup, which ushered in a military-led government skeptical of traditional alliances. The junta, like those in Burkina Faso and Niger, has portrayed France’s influence as a relic of colonialism that no longer serves the interests of their nations. By withdrawing from the OIF, these governments are reinforcing their stance that engagement with France—whether political, economic, or cultural—must be on their own terms, rather than dictated by institutions they view as tools of soft power.
When it comes to Burkina Faso, the decision to step away from the OIF aligns with broader policies seeking alternatives to Western influence. Since the coup in 2022, Ouagadougou has pivoted towards new international partnerships, particularly with Russia, Turkey, and China. The country’s military leadership has also intensified rhetoric against perceived French meddling, expelling French diplomats and media outlets critical of the government. Niger, which experienced its own coup in 2023, has similarly pushed back against France, even demanding the withdrawal of French troops from its territory.
The significance of these moves extends beyond diplomatic gestures. These Sahelian nations are recalibrating their foreign policies amid persistent security crises, including ongoing battles against jihadist insurgencies. French military operations, once deemed crucial in countering extremist threats in the region, have been met with increasing skepticism. Leaders in Bamako, Ouagadougou, and Niamey have argued that French-led interventions have failed to bring stability, leading them to explore alternative security arrangements, including partnerships with Russian paramilitary groups.
The withdrawal from the OIF is a powerful symbol of this broader reorientation. The Francophonie organization, founded in 1970, has been a pillar of France’s global cultural diplomacy, fostering linguistic and economic ties among its 88 member states. While membership does not require alignment with French political interests, many African leaders have long viewed the OIF as an extension of France’s influence. By leaving, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are making a statement: their futures will not be shaped by institutions rooted in colonial history.
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This break with the Francophonie also raises economic questions. France remains a major trade partner and source of financial aid for these countries. By distancing themselves from Paris, they risk economic repercussions, particularly if the French government responds with funding cuts or trade restrictions. However, their leadership seems willing to take that risk, banking on new economic ties with Russia, China, and regional African blocs to fill the void.
Public reactions within these countries have been mixed. While nationalist sentiments run high, and many citizens support moves to diminish French influence, concerns linger over potential isolation. Critics argue that severing ties with international institutions without viable alternatives could lead to economic hardship, reduced foreign investment, and diplomatic marginalization. Others, however, see this as a necessary step towards true sovereignty, echoing the calls of Pan-Africanist leaders who have long advocated for breaking free from post-colonial dependencies.
The regional implications of this trend are significant. The Sahel is at a crossroads, with these juntas challenging the traditional order of international alliances. If successful, their model could inspire similar moves in other Francophone African countries, potentially accelerating the decline of French influence across the continent. Conversely, if their economic and security strategies falter, the pendulum could swing back towards traditional partnerships with the West.
As regards France, this moment represents a critical test of its ability to maintain relevance in Africa. President Emmanuel Macron has attempted to recalibrate France’s African policy, acknowledging past missteps and pledging to engage on more equal footing. However, the exodus from the OIF underscores the depth of anti-French sentiment among the current leadership in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, making it clear that Paris will need to offer more than rhetoric to mend fractured ties. As these Sahelian nations navigate this new geopolitical terrain, their choices will shape the future of regional stability, foreign relations, and economic development. Whether their bold moves will lead to genuine self-determination or unintended consequences remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the Francophonie breakup is more than just a symbolic gesture—it marks a definitive shift in Africa’s relationship with its former colonial power.
