In recent years, Niger has undertaken significant measures to reduce its historical ties with France, reflecting a broader shift toward asserting its sovereignty and cultural identity. A notable development in this process is the country’s withdrawal from the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), an international body representing French-speaking nations. On March 7, 2025, Niger’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially announced its decision to withdraw from the OIF, highlighting a desire to promote national languages and reduce French influence.
This move aligns with previous actions taken by Niger’s military junta since coming to power in July 2023. In December 2023, the junta suspended all cooperation with the OIF, accusing it of serving French interests. Subsequently, in October 2024, Niger initiated the renaming of streets and monuments in the capital, Niamey, that bore French names, replacing them with those honoring local heroes and figures significant to Niger’s history.
These actions are part of a broader trend observed in several West African countries, including Mali and Burkina Faso, where military-led governments have sought to distance themselves from former colonial powers. These nations have collectively formed the Alliance of Sahel States, aiming to enhance regional cooperation and security while reducing French influence.
The decision to withdraw from the OIF and rename public spaces underscores a significant shift in Niger’s national identity and foreign policy. By embracing indigenous languages and honoring local history, Niger aims to assert its sovereignty and reduce the cultural and political influence of its former colonial ruler, France. These developments reflect a broader trend of decolonization and a reimagining of national identity across the African continent.
