Mali has officially joined Niger and Burkina Faso in withdrawing from the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), solidifying the Confederation of Sahel States’ (CSS) break with post-colonial era international organizations.
A joint statement from the three CSS member countries, released on Tuesday, confirms Mali’s decision, following separate announcements by Niger and Burkina Faso on Monday that they had notified the OIF of their withdrawal. This coordinated action marks a unified diplomatic stance by the Sahelian nations.
The joint communiqué, signed by the foreign ministers of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, reiterates previous grievances against the OIF. The countries accuse the organization of becoming “a remote-controlled political instrument” that applies “selective sanctions” based on “geopolitical considerations” and demonstrates “contempt for their sovereignty.”
The leaders of the three states – General Assimi Goita of Mali, General Abdourahamane Tiani of Niger, and Captain Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Faso – emphasized that this joint withdrawal aligns with the “deep aspirations of their peoples.”
This coordinated exit further strengthens the strategic alliance within the AES Confederation, showcasing the countries’ determination to present a united front on the international stage.
This move follows the three nations’ official withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on January 29th, continuing their pattern of disengaging from regional and international bodies.
AC/Sf/fss/abj/APA