Niger ends relations with international Francophone body, harps on promotion of national languages
The military junta in Niger cancelled all cooperation with the international organisation of Francophone nations (OIF), as it continues its efforts to cut every form of relation with former colonial ruler France.
In a televised statement, a spokesperson for the ruling junta alleged that the 88-member body “has always been used by France as an instrument to defend French interests.”
The statement said, “The government of Niger calls on the African people to decolonise their minds and promote their own national languages in accordance with the ideas of the founding fathers of Pan-Africanism.”
Ties between Niger and France are at their lowest moments as the Abdouramane Tchiani-led junta is strongly condemned by France and other Western allies following the coup that removed President Mohamed Bazoum from office.
The junta has since expelled the French troops which had been helping to fight a decade-old extremist insurgency in the West African country.
Following the expulsion of its troops, the French government announced its plan to shut its embassy in Niger indefinitely as relations between the two countries worsened.
The embassy explains that it is “no longer able to function normally or fulfil its missions” due to restrictions imposed by the military government.
