Here are the key points:
- Mali Quits OIF: Mali has withdrawn from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), a group of French-speaking countries .
- Reason for Withdrawal: Mali cited the OIF’s actions as “incompatible with constitutional principles… based on the sovereignty of the state” .
- Mali’s Suspension: Mali was suspended from the OIF in August 2020 after a military coup toppled President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita [1].
- Burkina Faso and Niger: Fellow junta-led states Burkina Faso and Niger have also withdrawn from the OIF and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) regional bloc .
- New Sahel Confederation: The three countries have formed their own Sahel confederation, seeking greater independence and self-determination .
- Decolonization Efforts: Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have rebaptised streets and squares in their capitals to remove French colonial names.
Mali’s decision to quit the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) marks a significant shift in the country’s relationship with France and the broader Francophone community. Mali, along with fellow junta-led states Burkina Faso and Niger, has been distancing itself from France, citing concerns over sovereignty and independence.
The OIF, comprising 93 member countries, aims to promote the French language and foster cooperation among its members. However, Mali’s foreign ministry stated that the organization’s actions are “incompatible with constitutional principles… based on the sovereignty of the state” .
This move follows Mali’s suspension from the OIF in August 2020 after a military coup toppled President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. The organization had called for Keita’s release and the establishment of a civilian-led transition government.
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have also left the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) regional bloc to form their own Sahel confederation. Furthermore, they have rebaptised streets and squares in their capitals to remove French colonial names, symbolizing their desire for independence and self-determination.
French was the sole official language in Mali when it gained independence in 1960. However, the country’s relationship with France has been complex, with many Malians viewing French as a legacy of colonialism.
