Mali had been suspended from the OIF in August 2020 after a military coup ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.

The OIF had called for Keita’s release and the establishment of a civilian-led transition government amidst the country’s ongoing crisis.

In a similar stance, Burkina Faso and Niger, both also governed by military juntas, announced their departure from the OIF.

These countries, which have distanced themselves from France and strengthened ties with Russia, have also left the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to create their own Sahel confederation.

The OIF, based in Paris, works to promote the French language and foster cooperation in various sectors among its 93 member states.

Mali, under junta rule and severing ties with France, has announced its withdrawal from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), a move made one day after Niger and Burkina Faso followed suit.